Rodney Harrison retires

[TexecutedInTampa]

Rodney Harrison's philosophy as one of the hardest-hitting safeties in NFL history was to play as if every "play every play like it's my last play."
This morning, he confirmed what had become a poorly-kept secret. The last play of his stellar and sometimes controversial 15-year NFL career has come and gone.
"I'm done," Harrison said in a conference call with reporters. "And I'm very much at peace with that. Football has been good to me. I worked hard and I played hard."
Harrison, 36, holds the NFL record for defensive backs with 30½ sacks; he also has 34 interceptions, making him the only player to have at least 30 of each. In his six seasons with the Patriots, he was an important contributor of two Super Bowl-winning teams.
"Rodney Harrison is one of the best players I have ever coached," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a Patriots press release. "In the biggest games, in any situation and on a weekly basis, his production was phenomenal. Rodney is the best practice player I have seen in 35 years in the NFL, which is a testament to his exceptional passion for the game and his desire to sustain and improve his level of play."
Harrison will transition in to a second career that seems a perfect fit. He was formally introduced as an NFL analyst for NBC Sports after his retirement announcement. But his articulate manner away from the field has always been in direct contrast to the perception that his extremely physical playing style sometimes crossed the line.
"People have called me a dirty player. I'm a very passionate player," Harrison said. "I also understand that this is not volleyball. This is a very violent, physical game, and if you hit someone in the mouth, they're not going to be your friend. That's what the game of football is."
Harrison, who made just two Pro Bowls in his career in part because fellow players -- many of whom had felt his wrath on Sundays -- had a say in the voting, said his passion often was misinterpreted as cheap shots. He was fined more than $200,000 in his career and served a one-game suspension in 2002 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Jerry Rice that cost him a game check of $111,764,
"All I know is I laid every ounce of my body on that football field," he said

[gamefarm83]

Missed by (some) fans, not missed by WR's and QB's.

[AlexanderNevermind]

Man, talking about a fantasy stud some years back. I had him back when he was the #1 or 2 DB coming off the board. Dude was a machine in the mode of Ronnie Lott. Will miss him, always loved his game and play style.

[gomoss]

Rodney Harrison's philosophy as one of the hardest-hitting safeties in NFL history was to play as if every "play every play like it's my last play."
This morning, he confirmed what had become a poorly-kept secret. The last play of his stellar and sometimes controversial 15-year NFL career has come and gone.
"I'm done," Harrison said in a conference call with reporters. "And I'm very much at peace with that. Football has been good to me. I worked hard and I played hard."
Harrison, 36, holds the NFL record for defensive backs with 30½ sacks; he also has 34 interceptions, making him the only player to have at least 30 of each. In his six seasons with the Patriots, he was an important contributor of two Super Bowl-winning teams.
"Rodney Harrison is one of the best players I have ever coached," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a Patriots press release. "In the biggest games, in any situation and on a weekly basis, his production was phenomenal. Rodney is the best practice player I have seen in 35 years in the NFL, which is a testament to his exceptional passion for the game and his desire to sustain and improve his level of play."
Harrison will transition in to a second career that seems a perfect fit. He was formally introduced as an NFL analyst for NBC Sports after his retirement announcement. But his articulate manner away from the field has always been in direct contrast to the perception that his extremely physical playing style sometimes crossed the line.
"People have called me a dirty player. I'm a very passionate player," Harrison said. "I also understand that this is not volleyball. This is a very violent, physical game, and if you hit someone in the mouth, they're not going to be your friend. That's what the game of football is."
Harrison, who made just two Pro Bowls in his career in part because fellow players -- many of whom had felt his wrath on Sundays -- had a say in the voting, said his passion often was misinterpreted as cheap shots. He was fined more than $200,000 in his career and served a one-game suspension in 2002 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Jerry Rice that cost him a game check of $111,764,
"All I know is I laid every ounce of my body on that football field," he said

great player, and definitely in the Ronnie Lott school of playmaking.
one play I wish he did make was that damn SB miracle catch.
It'll be great to hear him talk football on TV.
I'm still shocked that SD let him get away to NE.
really great defensive leader and with Vrabel and Bruschi, made up quite a brain trust out there.
played till he couldn't stand.
that's the way to go out.

[Texecutioner]

One of the best safties to ever play the game if you ask me.

One of my favorite players of all time as well.

The dude always seemed to make great plays in the post season for the Pats when they needed something big. He was an intimidating player always. They don't make to many like Harrison.

[StevenSD]

too bad he got all of his recoginition in New England, he played at a higher level in San Diego, but because of the team his performance went unnoticed most of the time

[TexecutedInTampa]

too bad he got all of his recoginition in New England, he played at a higher level in San Diego, but because of the team his performance went unnoticed most of the time

I see that, but he was ridiculous in NE in 2003 and 2004....and NE won the SB both years. He was a FORCE...nice to see him leave with dignity.

Can't wait to see him on NBC.

[TexecutedInTampa]

great player, and definitely in the Ronnie Lott school of playmaking.
one play I wish he did make was that damn SB miracle catch.
It'll be great to hear him talk football on TV.
I'm still shocked that SD let him get away to NE.
really great defensive leader and with Vrabel and Bruschi, made up quite a brain trust out there.
played till he couldn't stand.
that's the way to go out.

30 sacks and 30 interceptions. He's all alone in that club. Outstanding.

[jjflr]

great player. sure-fire hall of famer. personally, i didn't like his style of play, but there's no denying how good he was.

[BigBenCan7]

I wonder if Barry Bonds will receive the same kind of love Rodney has once he finally retires.

[Texecutioner]

I wonder if Barry Bonds will receive the same kind of love Rodney has once he finally retires.

Leave it up to you to come in and bash him in his retirement thread by making a comparison to Bonds. You've bashed Harrison on countless occasions as well. Let it go. He is retiring now. And he hasn't done much that was any different than what Joey Porter used to do.

[BigBenCan7]

And he hasn't done much that was any different than what Joey Porter used to do.

Other than admit to using steroids.

I actually loved the way that Rodney Harrison played the game of football. He reminds me a lot of Hines Ward, but he lost my respect the day he was caught cheating.

[Texecutioner]

Other than admit to using steroids.

I actually loved the way that Rodney Harrison played the game of football. He reminds me a lot of Hines Ward, but he lost my respect the day he was caught cheating.

There has been a lot more guys that have done roids BBC. At least he admitted to it, unlike guys like Merriman and many others.

IT was wrong though. No doubt.

[BigBenCan7]

There has been a lot more guys that have done roids BBC. At least he admitted to it, unlike guys like Merriman and many others.

IT was wrong though. No doubt.

Well, a lot more guys have done it in baseball, hence my comparison to Bonds.

[TexecutedInTampa]

Other than admit to using steroids.

I actually loved the way that Rodney Harrison played the game of football. He reminds me a lot of Hines Ward, but he lost my respect the day he was caught cheating.

HGH. Not steroids. I know you don't care, but you might if he wore the Black and Gold.

RH had a lot in common with HW. Loved him on my team, otherwise it's different.

[Patzphanatiq]

Ironic that a Steelers fan is remarking on the evils of players taking steroids...

BTW, mr Holier then thou, he never tested positive for steroids, but actually admitted that he used HgH to help recover from an injury.

but I digress..

Rodney was one of the many pieces that fit together for the Patriots to make that 3 SB run in 4 years. He was an "all out all the time" player that sometimes got him in a bit of trouble from the league, but the fans always loved him. His teammates and rivals respected him, and that is the way you want to be known.

[BigBenCan7]

IBTW, mr Holier then thou, he never tested positive for steroids, but actually admitted that he used HgH to help recover from an injury.

The Bonds comparisons just keep on coming.

[Texecutioner]

The Bonds comparisons just keep on coming.

I swear, it's amazing how hypocritical you are. People aren't fooled by your little act. You were just in another thread where you said this.......

No, I'd just like to have a thread that you don't come in and abduct every once in a while.

Looks like this won't be one of them.


Yet, you are in a Patriots thread about Rodney Harrison retiring and trying to turn it into some "Bonds comparison" thread when everyone else was trying to discuss what a great player he was and the things they appreaciated about him as a player that helped a team win a few SB's.

What was that you were saying about "abducting threads?"

To quote you "Looks like this won't be one of them."

[BigBenCan7]

I swear, it's amazing how hypocritical you are. People aren't fooled by your little act. You were just in another thread where you said this.......

No, I'd just like to have a thread that you don't come in and abduct every once in a while.

Looks like this won't be one of them.


Yet, you are in a Patriots thread about Rodney Harrison retiring and trying to turn it into some "Bonds comparison" thread when everyone else was trying to discuss what a great player he was and the things they appreaciated about him as a player that helped a team win a few SB's.

What was that you were saying about "abducting threads?"

To quote you "Looks like this won't be one of them."

The topic of the thread is Rodney Harrison's career. His violation of the league's substance abuse policy is very much a part of that topic. Sorry, I didn't realize that only positive comments on his career were accepted :rolleyes:

[Sway29]

Honestly guys, stop fallowing each other around to cause fights.... try to avoid each other as much as possible...

Anyways he was great for the Pats and before the Pats. When he was healthy and on the field i always felt safer knowing he was in a Pats jersey.

[Texecutioner]

The topic of the thread is Rodney Harrison's career. His violation of the league's substance abuse policy is very much a part of that topic. Sorry, I didn't realize that only positive comments on his career were accepted :rolleyes:

You're agenda here was quite clear, from your first post where you said something like "I wonder if people will feel the same way about Bonds when he retires." You're trying to compare a guy to one of the most hated and controversial players in the history of baseball who might go to prison possibly. Hell Bonds doesn't even play the same sport. They're not even remotely comparable.

No one said everything had to be positive, but you're over here trying to muddy the waters and play this innocent routine that you frequently do when you're trying to be an wise ass. It's a retirement thread dude. Harrison didn't ever go "Pac Man" on anyone and have anyone shot, he hasn't beaten up on any women. He's just been a hard working football player that helped his team win a few SB rings.

You wouldn't appreciate it if a few of us went into some Joey Porter or Hines Ward retirement thread and started calling them dirty players and making comparisons to a guy like Jose Canseco or something like that, so give it a rest.

[BigBenCan7]

[BYou're agenda here was quite clear, from your first post where you said something like "I wonder if people will feel the same way about Bonds when he retires." You're trying to compare a guy to one of the most hated and controversial players in the history of baseball who might go to prison possibly. Hell Bonds doesn't even play the same sport. They're not even remotely comparable.

What exactly separates the two from each other? That less people hate Rodney Harrison? Hell, Bonds has never even admitted to using, while we know for a fact that Harrison was on something. So why would Rodney get a pass on his use, just because he's retiring right now?


You wouldn't appreciate it if a few of us went into some Joey Porter or Hines Ward retirement thread and started calling them dirty players and making comparisons to a guy like Jose Canseco or something like that, so give it a rest. [/B]

People go into Hines Ward threads and call him dirty all the time, where have you been? Was Jose Canseco ever accused of being a dirty player? If so, the comparison would be relevant.

[Texecutioner]

What exactly separates the two from each other? That less people hate Rodney Harrison? Hell, Bonds has never even admitted to using, while we know for a fact that Harrison was on something. So why would Rodney get a pass on his use, just because he's retiring right now?

What happened to that idea of not liking it when people abduct threads? I guess it's only appropriate when you're doing it and going on your typical bashing of Patriots players.

No one gave him a pass on his use either. I said it was wrong and so have a few others plenty of times. How long ago was this by the way?

Let me go ahead and take a page out of your play book. SHould we start a thread bashing all of those Steelers from the 70's who were allegedly on steroids? I guess Lambert and Joe Greene should be part of this conversation. I wonder if Bonds will be remembered the same way they are right now after he retires? After all according to your logic calling the Pats a bunch of cheaters, I guess those Steelers rings of the 70's should all be tainted since they were "alleged" cheaters as well while they were all allegedly going Lyle Alzado style. :rolleyes:



People go into Hines Ward threads and call him dirty all the time, where have you been? Was Jose Canseco ever accused of being a dirty player? If so, the comparison would be relevant.

Yes, and you seem to get pretty irritated by it all of the time. And I've also stuck up for Ward in just about all of those threads as well because most of those comments have been pretty unfair. But if it was a retirement thread, you'd be blowing a gasket.

If someone was comparing any baseball player ESPECIALLY JOSE CANSECO or BONDS to Hines Ward or Joey Porter, you'd be insulting them relentlessly so stop being so hypocritical.

[BigBenCan7]

What happened to that idea of not liking it when people abduct threads? I guess it's only appropriate when you're doing it and going on your typical bashing of Patriots players.

No one gave him a pass on his use either. I said it was wrong and so have a few others plenty of times. How long ago was this by the way?

Maybe if I bold it you'll understand. The topic of the thread is Rodney Harrison's career. His violation of the league's substance abuse policy is very much a part of that topic.

If you'd like an example of abducting a thread, it's your next paragraph:


Let me go ahead and take a page out of your play book. SHould we start a thread bashing all of those Steelers from the 70's who were allegedly on steroids? I guess Lambert and Joe Greene should be part of this conversation. I wonder if Bonds will be remembered the same way they are right now after he retires? After all according to your logic calling the Pats a bunch of cheaters, I guess those Steelers rings of the 70's should all be tainted since they were "alleged" cheaters as well while they were all allegedly going Lyle Alzado style.[/B] :rolleyes:

What exactly do the 1970's Steelers have to do with Rodney Harrison?

I came into this thread and noticed that everyone was speaking on Harrison's career as a whole, and yet no one had mentioned his juicing, so I posed a question about it. It was right on topic, but unfortunately you decided to take it and make it a personal attack on me and bring arguments from other threads into this one. Congrats, Tex, you've successfully hijacked yet another thread. Enjoy the rest of the thread.

[Texecutioner]

Maybe if I bold it you'll understand. The topic of the thread is Rodney Harrison's career. His violation of the league's substance abuse policy is very much a part of that topic.

If you'd like an example of abducting a thread, it's your next paragraph:



What exactly do the 1970's Steelers have to do with Rodney Harrison?

I came into this thread and noticed that everyone was speaking on Harrison's career as a whole, and yet no one had mentioned his juicing, so I posed a question about it. It was right on topic, but unfortunately you decided to take it and make it a personal attack on me and bring arguments from other threads into this one. Congrats, Tex, you've successfully hijacked yet another thread. Enjoy the rest of the thread.

Dude I swear you get more comical as you go. You can go look back to page one where I actually talked about Harrison amongst everyone else unlike yourself. Then you slid in there and made some silly idiotic comparison to Bonds which was pathetic to say the least. I mean comical actually, because it was such a reach on your part to take a jab at him and the Pats like you've done time and time again.

And now you conveniently try and turn this thing around on me and say that it was I who abducted the thread and tried to change it's direction? :chuckle:

Like I mentioned before your little "WOe is me" routine is old now and your "hands in the air I DIDN"T DO IT" act is stale. If you want to come in and bash a guy because you don't like him then just say so and I'd give your comments a little more validity and could possibly even respect your viewpoint here, but you have to cower and quiver behind your statements like some poor picked on guy who was just trying to talk about his career. :rolleyes: I guess that's why you conveniently made a comparison to Bonds who doesn't even play the same sport and acts nothing like Harrison ever has as far as his personality in any way.

If you want to compare him to a football player how about Jack Freaking Lambert who has been rumoured to have done a lot of steroids. Now put that in your pipe and smoke it.

[TexecutedInTampa]

Ironic that a Steelers fan is remarking on the evils of players taking steroids...

BTW, mr Holier then thou, he never tested positive for steroids, but actually admitted that he used HgH to help recover from an injury.

but I digress..

Rodney was one of the many pieces that fit together for the Patriots to make that 3 SB run in 4 years. He was an "all out all the time" player that sometimes got him in a bit of trouble from the league, but the fans always loved him. His teammates and rivals respected him, and that is the way you want to be known.

Well done, PP! And Stay Safe, OK??

[TexecutedInTampa]

I wonder if Barry Bonds will receive the same kind of love Rodney has once he finally retires.

Do you?

What does Rodney have to do with Barry Bonds?

[Sway29]

Ok i do see why bbc brought up the HGH. He was stating apart of harrisons career and just because we like Rodney we can not deny that he used them. But lets keep this to Harrisons career and not the Steelers and lets not attempt to bash that career of a great player. But if in his career he was dirty or got caught for a substance he shouldnt havem its fine to bring it up.

Again, Tex, BBC just stay away from each other and if you are in a thread together keep it to he topic rather then each other being in the thread.

[Texecutioner]

1) “Thank you for believing in me!”

The end of the Super Bowl against the Panthers was crazy. Both defenses were completely spent, and both offenses took advantage. It might have been the greatest fourth quarter in Super Bowl history.

During the Panther’s last drive, Rodney Harrison broke his arm. He knew it was broken, but the Panthers were in the hurry-up offense. Harrison couldn’t get off the field. Not only did he stay on the field, but on the next play he made the tackle, breaking his arm even worse.

Tedy Bruschi summed that sequence up nicely to the Boston Herald earlier this week:

“He broke his arm and didn’t come off the field,” Bruschi said. “He played the next play, made the tackle on the next play, and then it completely broke. For him to do that, that shows his toughness. He went and got the air cast on and said, ‘I’m not staying in here, let me go back out there.’

“And of course then there was the celebration pose, with confetti coming down and his arm in a brace. That’s the toughness of Rodney Harrison.”


Rodney Harrison's Two Greatest Moments with the New England Patriots | Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/194113-rodney-harrisons-two-greatest-moments-with-the-new-england-patriots)

Nice write up about Harrison here.

[TexecutedInTampa]

I did not know at the time, that Rodney had a broken arm. Damn!

Screw the Prom King votes. RH was a force, and he'll be missed and I wish him well...and I can't wait to see him on NBC.