Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison has announced that he is retiring from the NFL today. He made the announcement via his Facebook page.

“I have made the difficult decision to retire as of today,” Harrison 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. I am sincerely thankful to the people who have supported me over the years, first and foremost my family, the Rooney family and my Steeler family, also Mr. Brown, the Bengals organization and fans, and last but FAR from least, Steeler Nation. Thank you.”

Harrison went undrafted out of Kent St. in the 2002 draft, but went on to be one of the greatest outside linebackers to play the game. The 5 time pro bowler and 2008 DPOY was with the Cincinnati Bengals last year, and was reportedly interested in returning to Pittsburgh this year, but the feeling wasn’t mutual. Harrison had a workout in Arizona earlier this week, but his agent said they couldn’t make the numbers work.

The only fitting way to end this post is by closing with one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history, and one of the most awesome things to ever happen on a football field. Thanks for the memories, Silverback.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGYS6IfLZC4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9k1QtpbDXI