How did James Harrison get to the NFL?

Before joining the NFL, James Harrison played linebacker for Kent State and was a starter for two seasons. Harrison was considered too small to be an outside linebacker in the NFL, so his draft stock was too poor.

After going undrafted, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him as a rookie free agent in 2002. Over the next two years, Harrison was cut by the Steelers on three occasions. Although it didn't seem that he'd play in the NFL, he persisted.

He joined the Baltimore Ravens after he was cut for the third time. The Ravens then shipped him to NFL Europe to play with the Rhein Fire.

James Harrison was finally let go by Baltimore, which meant two teams cut him four times. Harrison started to question whether his desire to be a professional football player was worthwhile, and the thought of working as a veterinarian or perhaps a truck driver came across.

Due to an injury sustained by Clark Haggans during off-season workouts in 2004, though, the Pittsburgh Steelers gave Harrison one more opportunity. The years 2004 to 2006 were pretty uneventful for Harrison, as he made 96 solo tackles, 3.0 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

He achieved five straight Pro Bowl campaigns, four straight spots on the All-Pro team, and a Defensive Player of the Year award when Mike Tomlin elevated him to starting outside linebacker in 2007. With his interception return against the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, Harrison also produced one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history.

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What are James Harrison’s achievements in NFL?

James Harrison has been chosen for the Pro Bowl five times. He won Super Bowls XL and XLIII while playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was the lone undrafted player to win the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, doing so in 2008. Harrison leads the Steelers in career sacks with 80.5.

The Steelers suffered a spate of injuries following Harrison's NFL retirement in August 2014. The Steelers contacted Harrison a few weeks after he announced his retirement. He joined the Steelers once more, where he played for four more years, eventually leading the team in all-time sacks.

Now, Harrison is considered to be among the NFL's most formidable defensive players. He's cited as among the top pass rushers in the league. James Harrison had 583 solo stops, 34 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, 84.5 sacks and eight interceptions to cap off his illustrious 15-year pro career.