James Harrison says this is his last year, on steelers.com

He answered a question about next year and whether he will still be here. His reply was, can't answer that until the end of the season but right now his answer is no.

I think he still has some game in him, was it purely to retire as a Steeler or just because his old teammates asked him to?

I for one will be sorry to see him leave.
I hope he sticks for next season, what do yinz think it would take?
Your thoughts.

 

He is 36, what he is doing this year is amazing. With a one year contract and the fact that he was retired, he is just keeping it real.

 

I would guess it depends on how his body feels after the season.

 

I definitely think this is the last year for Harrison and more than likely Kiesel also.
What better way for them to retire than the same way Jerome did.

 

I'd absolutely love to see them two get another SB ring on their way out. In fact I can pretty much guarantee that we all would

 

I too, will be sorry to see both Harrison and Keisel leave (retire). I was not in favor of letting them go last year. With them the Steelers defense has regained its swagger and penache. Look at what has happened to the pressure given the opposing qb and the shot in the arm to the defense as they have worked themselves back into playing shape.

Their inspired play on defense and the offense picking up their game has shed a new light on the Steelers' season. Oh yeah, there are things that need to be addressed...but I'm likin' what I am seeing!!!

 

Well then, that settles it! We HAVE to win our seventh Super Bowl now. It's the only appropriate way for Harrison to ride off into the sunset.

 

Would love to see the beard and the silverback go out with another SB and i'm sure this is on the front burner of their membrain. Let's git-r-done.

 

I don't know. I'm not sure if I want to win the Super Bowl this year or not.... Something to think about.... hmmmm....

 

Why's this wanting JH another yr?

 

No matter what James decides for next year, I really hope the young guys learn some things from him, especially the fire he has.

 

So to bring some more depth to this discussion:

Is it that JH & BK are bringing that much fire and intensity to this D, and that the D was simply lacking of on-field leadership and cohesion? Or is it that two guys, even at the very back end of their careers, are still the most talented we have on our D roster? I know that the ultimate answer lies in "wait until they are gone to find out"... but I'd like to hear what everyone has to think.

 

That's an interesting question. They obviously bring a certain amount of leadership that we were lacking on defense. Did you see Beard the other night pointing at his head and imploring his teammates to "be smart" during a heated portion of that game. Harrison's been through some battles himself so I'm sure his leadership shone through during that game as well. I'm VERY happy to have their leadership on this defense. The question about talent is a little more troubling and more difficult to answer. I'll put it this way; I hope they are not the most talented players on our defense. If they are, we may be in trouble in the intermediate to long-term, after these guys ultimately retire. I still hope that JJ can develop into a stud linebacker but, quite honestly, not only has he been outplayed by Harrison but he's also been outplayed by Arthur Moats and that's troubling. As for the DL, there is no doubt that Keisel is the most talented after maybe Cam Heyward. He's definitely more talented than Cam't Thomas and at least equally as talented, even at this point in his career than Steve McClendon.

At any rate, I'm just happy we've got these guys for one more run. It's great to see how Harrison and Keisel play off of each other. To see Harrison slide through the line while Keisel is occupying two blockers is a thing of beauty. Those wiley veterans know how to get the job done and I hope the youngsters on the team take note and take advantage of the tremendous opportunity they've been granted to, not only be coached by a Steeler great in Porter, but to play with several Steeler greats in Harrison, Keisel and Troy!

 

To add to Jack's thoughts I will say this their leadership is important but their understanding of what DL and Butler want is invaluable to helping the younger guys start to pick up the mental aspects of what they are being asked. When they gutted the defense in favor of younger guys the experience level suffered. It has to be invaluable to have guys with practical knowledge of what the coaches are telling the young guys. THey can go to James and Brett and go if I do this, is it what they are talking about and they can offer them tips on where they need to be, how to lower the shoulder and slip a block. I think the first few games you saw lots of talent but youthful exuberance tempered that talent and you had guys out of position. Now you are seeing guys understanding their role in the defense thanks to Brett and James.