Less than a week before the 2014 NFL season, James Harrison announced his retirement from the game after not being able to find a suitor throughout free agency.
Five days later, he signed a one-day contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers to officially retire as a member of the franchise that signed him as an undrafted free agent. He helped them win two Super Bowls in 2005 and 2008, and had been an important member one of this generation’s toughest defense.
Before the month even ended, Harrison had signed a deal that would give him one more season with the black and gold. The reason for the deal was injuries to Pittsburgh’s young linebackers, Jarvis Jones and Ryan Shazier, early in the season. Just like that, James Harrison was back in the league.
Coming into this training camp, the 37-year-old outside linebacker is the oldest player on the roster by four years and joins middle linebacker Lawrence Timmons as the only defensive players left from their 2008 Super Bowl team. Harrison was the Defensive Player of the Year that season.
Today, he has to split time with players more than a decade younger than he is. Chances are that Harrison will not be able to mustard a double-digit sack season. His real value at the linebacker position will be veteran leadership for two players who have been in the league for a combined five seasons.
This March, Harrison signed a two-year deal that is worth $2.65 million, with a $500,000 signing bonus. Physically, Harrison prides himself on his workout regimen. During his time with Pittsburgh last season, he led all Steelers linebackers with 5.5 sacks in only 11 games.
This season, with the return of Jarvis Jones on the outside, and the drafting of Bud Dupree, Harrison’s playing time will be cut. Still, if anyone in the NFL is capable of sacking a quarterback at the age of 40, it would probably be James Harrison.
Daniel Johnson is a Beat Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter. “Like” him on Facebook. Add him to your network on Google.