This is from Sunday but I have been wanting to get around to this interview. Because James Harrison doesn’t do many one-on-one sitdowns so it’s always cool to hear what he has to say.
Harrison sat down with NFL Network’s Andrea Kremer in an interview that aired Sunday morning, prior to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 30-12 win over the Miami Dolphins. They covered an array of topics, including how Harrison is able to play at such a high level at age 38.
He ran down the list of people he’s employed to take care of his body. And the list is lengthy. He included:
– Acupuncturist
– Dry Needling Specialist
– Trainer
– Doctor
– Masseuse (x3)
– Chiropractor
And a couple other ones that frankly, I’m not even sure what they are.
Harrison told Kremer he estimates he spends $350,000 a year to take care of his body. That’s over 25% of his base salary in 2016 of $1.25 million, and that’s counting everything before taxes, too.
He says the expenses are worth it in order to keep playing in the NFL.
“The problem is going to be trying to keep that up when I’m done playing so that I can still feel good,” Harrison joked.
His workouts have become legendary and he’s the true definition of a gym junkie, now famously the first one in the weight rooms every Monday morning, posting his impressive workouts to his Instagram page. He’s become a quiet leader for this team, Mike Tomlin called him a “peculiar leader” at Tuesday’s press conference, for his ability to lead by actions, not words.
While this could be his final year in the NFL, Harrison seems to be physically fit enough to keep playing into 2017 if he wanted to. It would require a new contract, he’s set to be a free agent, but the Steelers would almost certainly welcome him back. It becomes a question of how Harrison balances his personal life, his family, and his two children. That would be the driving factor behind hanging up his cleats.
For now, Steelers’ Nation will enjoy the hard work from Harrison. And all the doctors who help him play to the level he’s at.
Check out the full interview with Kremer below.
