Though it seems unlikely we’re going to have a second retirement press conference for James Harrison, Team President Art Rooney II sent out a brief statement to thank Harrison for his tenure as a Steeler. The message, sent out on Twitter a few minutes ago.
It reads:
“Thank you James for all your contributions to Steelers football throughout your career. Best of luck with your family in retirement.”
I’ll admit it’s a shorter sentiment than I expected but then again, this is the second time Pittsburgh has watched Harrison retire. And it isn’t the feel-good situation it was the first time around.
Still, it’s nice to see an acknowledgment from the organization to a player who meant a great deal to the Steelers and helped bring them a Super Bowl.
Harrison ends his Steelers’ career as the team’s all-time sack leader with 80.5, surpassing Jason Gildon. His best season came in 2008, a year where he recorded 16 sacks, forced seven fumbles, and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. There’s an argument to be made that he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame but his limited window of dominance, good as it was, could hurt him.
