Steelers Sign Harrison to Six-Year Contract

Steelers Sign NFL Defensive MVP Harrison to Six-Year Contract
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*PITTSBURGH —The Steelers retained the services of the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year through 2014 when they signedLB James Harrisonto a six-year contract today. Financial terms of the deal were not released.
 
Harrison, who will turn 31 in May, was named Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press following the 2008 season when he set a Steelers record with 16 quarterback sacks. His 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII is the longest play in Super Bowl History.
 
"We are excited to know that James Harrison will be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers for years to come," said Steelers PresidentArt Rooney II. "His contributions and leadership on the field over the past several years have been vital to our recent success."
 
Harrison finished the 2008 season third on the Steelers with 100 tackles (68 solo), while adding 16 sacks, one interception and a league-leading seven forced fumbles. He was selected as a starter for the AFC Pro Bowl squad for the second consecutive season while helping lead the Steelers to their sixth Super Bowl title. Harrison has been named at the Steelers' Most Valuable Player in a vote by his teammates after each of his two years as a starter.
 
"James has earned everything he has received as an NFL player through hard work," said Steelers Director of Football OperationsKevin Colbert. "His dedication to his craft behind the scenes is a perfect example of what a great work ethic can do for a player's career."
 
Harrison originally joined the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2002, and played in one game after spending the majority of the season on the team's practice squad. He made the Steelers roster out of training camp in 2003, but was released two days later. He spent three weeks on the Steelers practice squad in 2003 before being released by the team.
 
Harrison re-signed with the Steelers in 2004 after starting LB Clark Haggans broke his hand prior to training camp. He earned the starting outside linebacker job in 2007.