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Fans Weigh In On Harrison Rejoining Steelers From Retirement

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A recent Instagram video offers a rare glimpse at the softer side of James Harrison, talking to his sons about football, of all subjects.

"Got a question for you all, you all want daddy to play football?" He asks in the video.

With family approval, Harrison signed a one-year contract to fill the roster spot caused by the injury to Jarvis Jones. Coach Mike Tomlin announced the five-time pro-bowl linebacker's brief retirement is over.

"It was a simple and easy decision for us," said Tomlin. "We know James, James knows us, James understands our desire to play defense. He knows the schemes."

Steelers fans were ecstatic. No one will ever forget the historic 100-yard return of an interception in the Super Bowl.

"I couldn't be happier about it," said fan Jace Cavanagh. "He's a bad dude, he's my man."
Cavanagh wasn't alone.

"James Harrison, he's my favorite player," said Cody Troesch. "I'm glad the Pittsburgh Steelers brought him back for the season."

"We can use him," added fan Randy Morris. "The defense needs him. Best move they made all year."

But can he still play? Harrison is now 36 and hasn't worn a uniform since last season.

"I don't expect him to play every down," said Steelers fan Steve Shane, "but when they do, put him in pass-rushing situations, he could give them maybe a little more pass rushing that they got from some of the other players."

"He's going to give a nice consistency on the outside of the line, which is really important with the injuries that's going on," said fan Michael Jackson.

Harrison's playing status will be determined by what he does on the practice field.

"We'll just see where he is and let that be our guide," said Tomlin. "Again, it's not any different from what we did with Brett Keisel."

Tomlin also addressed a previous domestic issue. In 2008, Harrison was accused of assaulting his then-girlfriend, but the charges were dropped and he completed domestic abuse counseling.

"Knowing James over the last seven or eight years," said Tomlin, "he's grown a lot, as has his lady and I don't anticipate that being an issue at all moving forward."

James Harrison didn't do much when he played for Cincinnati last year. Coach Tomlin says he doesn't care about the player's past with another team anyway. As one fan said, he didn't think Harrison was into wearing that Cincinnati uniform, but he believes Harrison will be ready when he puts on the black and gold.

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