The Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed tremendous success throughout their history, highlighted by one of the NFL’s most iconic dynasties in the 1970s, when they captured four Super Bowl titles. The team later added two more championships in the 2000s, led by a dominant defense, with James Harrison playing a pivotal role. While fans may remember Harrison’s unforgettable touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII, his physicality and relentless playing style left a lasting impact beyond the stat sheet.
Harrison is widely regarded as one of the hardest hitters in NFL history. His style of play in the late 2000s contributed to the NFL’s increased focus on player safety. Known for his aggressive tackles that sometimes forced opponents out of games, Harrison’s approach would face even stricter scrutiny in today’s NFL. In a recent appearance on The Why Willie Show with J.J. Williams, Harrison remarked that he believes he could still play in the league, though the game has evolved significantly since his prime. The league now heavily penalizes defenders—and even offensive players—for certain hits, a trend that would likely lead to Harrison facing even more fines if he were playing today.
Over his career, Harrison accrued nearly $225,000 in fines for his hits and was even suspended once for a quarterback hit. If he were to return to the NFL, he would need to adjust his playing style significantly. However, Harrison has expressed concerns about current tackling guidelines, which leave defenders targeting the lower body to avoid penalties. This can lead to serious knee injuries, potentially shortening careers. The NFL’s efforts to prioritize player safety have good intentions, but Harrison argues that consulting former players could improve rule changes and officiating practices.
Could Harrison Become a Steelers Coach?
The Steelers’ defense has historically thrived on accountability and leadership, traits embodied by players like Harrison. Pittsburgh’s defensive success often stemmed from vocal leaders who ensured no detail went unnoticed. Adding a figure like Harrison to the coaching staff could reinvigorate that mentality.
Harrison has recently expressed interest in coaching and even reached out to the Steelers organization, though he reportedly received no response. With the Steelers’ defensive struggles at the end of the 2024 season, perhaps the team will reconsider and recognize the value Harrison could bring to the staff.
