One way to turn the page

Harrison assists with Tyree's book

When asked recently what he'd say to someone seeking his autograph on a picture of him attempting to defend David Tyree's remarkable on-the-helmet catch that set up the winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLII, Rodney Harrison didn't hesitate.

"You have to pay me," the Patriots safety said with a laugh.

But Harrison is actually putting his name on something directly related to the catch, free of charge.

Tyree has penned a book titled "More Than Just a Catch," due out in September, and it includes an introduction by Harrison.

Speaking Monday at the Patriots' charity golf tournament in Bolton, Harrison explained why he was willing to contribute to such a painful memory for New England fans. Part of it had to do with Tyree's spiritual journey.

Tyree, a special teams standout, took leave from the Giants for a mid-December game when his mother died of a heart attack at age 59. In 2004, Tyree had been arrested for possession of marijuana, and he also had struggles with alcohol before turning his life around and becoming a born-again Christian.

"A lot of people have been asking me questions, am I mad or upset at the catch," said Harrison. "Obviously you want to make the ball come out, but at the same time when you give everything to something, you don't have any regrets.

"With that, I can say, 'I felt like it was a lucky catch.' He was a guy that we didn't even prepare for and he came in and caught a touchdown and had a big catch. Sometimes you're a hero every once in a while in your life.

"But more so than that, just from a spiritual standpoint, I heard what he went through with his mom, her passing, and everything he kind of endured this season. You can see why he was blessed at that particular time. God has a way of showing different things through different people, and I'm not a hater. You beat us, so I congratulate you and we move on."

Harrison added that he didn't write the introduction himself, but he was asked a "bunch of questions" and it was put together from his answers. He said he received no compensation for it and didn't hesitate to be linked to the story because of its powerful message.

"They asked me other questions, such as, 'How has God influenced and impacted my life? How has God changed me as a person?' Those are a lot of things I answered.

"I felt like I'm not a perfect man, but I know what my relationship with God is and how it's shaped my life and I can spread a message. I can use that message to touch other people that are going through tough times, or going through situations where they have no faith, helping them understand God is always with them."

Next in line?

The Patriots are hosting free agent offensive tackle Barry Sims at Gillette Stadium today for a physical and workout, according Sims's agent, Ken Vierra.

Sims, 33, has spent his entire nine-year career with the Raiders, playing in 136 regular-season games (119 starts). He started all 16 games last season at left tackle but was released Feb. 29. He also has played right tackle and guard.

Sims previously visited the 49ers and has plans to visit with the Ravens and Rams.

"For a nine-year vet who is 33 and who has a limited number of years left, what we've talked about is making sure he's in the right place," said Vierra. "You want to ideally be in a place where you have a chance to compete for a starting job and win a Super Bowl."

Vierra expects Sims to finalize a contract by next week.

The Patriots, who did not select a lineman in April's draft, have signed free agents Oliver Ross and Gene Mruczkowski over the last nine days. With Ross recovering from a fractured collarbone, Stephen Neal recovering from a knee injury, and uncertainty surrounding Nick Kaczur's off-field issues, the team might be considering adding another blocker.

He wants to see more

Defensive lineman Richard Seymour likes what he's seen from some of the team's rookie defenders, a group headlined by first-round draft choice Jerod Mayo.

"Those guys have been doing great for us," said Seymour, cautioning that the true judgment will come when players wear pads and start hitting. "In the meetings, the coaches have been coaching them up and they've been attentive, which is all you can ask for at this point."

Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com