Longtime NFL linebacker James Harrison announced his retirement early Monday morning.
Harrison is a two time Super Bowl champion and played 15 years in the NFL. He spent most of his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers but made a mid-season transfer to the New England Patriots in December of last year.
But early this morning, Harrison announced his longstanding career was coming to an end.
“I’ve missed way too much for way too long…and I’m done,” Harrison wrote on Instagram. “Many thanks to my family, coaches, the fans, and everyone who played a role in my football life.” He accompanied the post with dozens of photos of his children.
Harrison followed up his announcement with a post on Twitter.
I’ve missed way too much for way too long…and I’m done.
Many thanks to my family, coaches, the… https://t.co/Ej5TCj2P3r— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) April 16, 2018
Harrison has been critical of the NFL’s leadership in the past. He’s previously called NFL commissioner Roger Goodell a “crook,” a “puppet,” a “dictator,” and the “devil.”
I don’t care how much you love the game. If you spend 16 seasons in the NFL and hold that much contempt for the guy running the show, it’s probably going to wear on you at some point. James Harrison is nearing 40 and put 15 solid years into football. I think it’s safe to say that he deserves this retirement.
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