Steelers Great James Harrison Challenges Roger Goodell To Punish Degenerate Gambler: "You Fined the Sh** Outta Me" (Steelers News)
Steelers News

Steelers Great James Harrison Challenges Roger Goodell To Punish Degenerate Gambler: "You Fined the Sh** Outta Me"

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The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves being mentioned in connection with former Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby, who has formally declared his intent to enter the 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft. Because of Steelers General Manager Omar Khan’s apparent determination to find a franchise quarterback, some are connecting the dots and suggesting Pittsburgh should take a rare and unconventional risk if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell allows Sorsby to enter the supplemental draft.

Steelers Brendan Sorsby

Aaron Doster / Imagn Images

Former Bearcats QB Brendan Sorsby looks on while walking off the field.

The main concern surrounding Sorsby is not his arm talent or how his game would translate to the NFL. Many pundits believe he would have been a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and would still be in that range in 2027 had he not chosen to forfeit his eligibility in pursuit of the NFL. However, he has gambling baggage stemming from wagering approximately $90,000 on sports, including alleged bets involving games in which he played at Indiana

He later became involved in a lawsuit to force his way onto the field for the Red Raiders, ultimately dropping the case before now attempting to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft. It is a confusing, risky, and complicated situation, but one that the Steelers could potentially consider. Former Steelers great James Harrison is not thrilled with the connections being made between Sorsby and Pittsburgh or any NFL team for that matter. While speaking on his podcast, Deebo & Joe on Tuesday, Harrison went on an emphatic rant directed at NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

"Listen here, if I am Roger Goodell, I got my commissioner hat on — Hey Roger, let’s protect the shield," Harrison said. "You fined the sh** outta me when you was trying to protect the shield. You changed rules and all of that. I am talking about in the drop of a hat — I mean, on a play just right there."

It’s important to note that Harrison hasn’t always been a huge fan of Goodell. Only recently did the two seem to squash their beef when the 2026 NFL Draft was hosted in the Steel City. 

Steelers' Roger Goodell

NFL.com

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks to members of the media.

Goodell and Harrison hung out, smiled, and took photos together, effectively ending their feud. However, Goodell fined Harrison approximately $120,000 over his NFL career. Knowing that, Harrison doesn’t think Sorsby should get into the NFL.

"What? That’s crazy, dude. We are talking about gambling on the game that you play in," Harrison said while speaking about Sorsby. "That you are going to be playing in, that you want to play in, and you hold the position that gets to affect the game the most? Huh? What is Roger Goodell going to do about this?"

Harrison went as far as saying that Sorsby is a “degenerate gambler” who needs help. It has been reported that Sorsby has completed a program to help himself as he copes with a diagnosed gambling addiction. It wouldn’t be fair to sit here and judge or speculate on what the future holds for this young talent. He made a mistake and is attempting to own it while seeking help.


Steelers Could Take Risk On Messy Situation

On one hand, it is a messy situation, but it might be something Khan and Pittsburgh consider if they are willing to take a risk and exhaust all options. 

Steelers' Drew Allar

Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers' Drew Allar goes through a photo shoot with the team after being drafted in the third round in 2026.

The Steelers already have two young quarterbacks in Will Howard and Drew Allar, but adding Sorsby would make things even more interesting and signal another youth movement in Pittsburgh.


Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. Whether it’s roster moves, coaching decisions, or game-day reactions, I read and respond whenever I can. Your input helps drive the conversation and keeps the Steelers community active and engaged. 

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