Steelers Release James Harrison, Activate Gilbert
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have released linebacker James Harrison.
The AFC North champions released the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker and 2008 NFL defensive player of the year on Saturday to make room for right tackle Marcus Gilbert. Gilbert is returning from a suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance policy.
If it's the end, pretty AMAZING career for an UNDRAFTED player who was cut four different times. James Harrison's Career Stats: Alltime Steelers sack leader 82.5, 33 forced fumbles 5 ProBowls. #NFL Def POY AND one of the biggest plays in SB history.
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) December 23, 2017
Harrison has been with the Steelers since 2002, when he was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent.
The 39-year-old Harrison is the franchise's all-time leader in sacks, piling up 80.5 during his 14 seasons with the Steelers and 82.5 during his career. Harrison briefly retired in September 2014 following a forgettable 2013 season in Cincinnati but returned when the Steelers ran into injury trouble.
He collected at least five sacks every season between 2014 and 2016 and signed a two-year deal last spring that would have kept him in Pittsburgh through his 40th birthday.
Harrison's playing time dipped significantly this season. He has been active in just five of Pittsburgh's 14 games despite being injury-free.
He reacted on Instagram a few hours after the announcement with an image saying, "Everything happens for a reason. God makes no mistakes. It is, and has always been his plan, and no one else's."
A caption accompanying the image said, "Can't wait to find out what God has in store for me next. Many thanks to #SteelersNation for the years of love & support."
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