Former Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday after being unable to land a contract in the offseason and during training camp.
The five-time Pro Bowler said on his Facebook page:
“I have made the difficult decision to retire today” he wrote. “My love for my family and the need to be there for them outweighs my desire to play the game. I have missed too many experiences with them because I devoted SO much time to my career. My love for the game isn’t strong enough to make up for missing one more birthday or first day of school. I am retiring as a man who is truly grateful for all of his blessings.”
Harrison spent almost his entire career as a Steeler, but was released prior to last season in a cost cutting move.
He ultimately signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, but didn’t have a very productive season.
Harrison went unsigned throughout the summer, even though there were some whispers that a potential return to Pittsburgh could have been in the cards.
Nothing came of those rumors, neither did a visit to Arizona, where Harrison recently worked out for the Cardinals.
Harrison hangs up the cleats after 11 seasons where he finished with 66.0 sacks, with 36.5 of them coming in a three-year span with the Steelers from 2008-10.
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
