Rodney Harrison: Similarities between Steelers & Patriots
Safety Rodney Harrison has been working as an analyst for NFL Network over the last few days. On Saturday night's "Total Access" program, when the topic shifted to Super Bowl XLIII, Harrison compared the Steelers to the Patriots.
"It kind of reminds me of the New England teams of past, the last 4, 5 years being in New England," Harrison said on the live program, while speaking with host Derrin Horton and co-analyst Jim Mora. "Just team. A team concept. No superstars. No 'me' guys. No 'I, I, I.' Guys that are willing to sacrifice, and it doesn't matter who gets the credit. They go out there and play hard, they make plays, and they have fun doing it. That's what football is about -- winning football games, having fun, and not caring who gets the credit."
In the program's final segment, Harrison was asked his favorite Steeler of all-time, but declined to give specifics.
"I have a lot of respect for the Steelers, but I hate them," he said, smiling.
When new head coaches were discussed, Harrison was asked which new coach faces the most pressure in 2009. He picked a coach with whom he is familiar.
"That's probably an easy question -- I look at it as Josh McDaniels," Harrison responded. "A guy who is a young guy, experienced, but is replacing a Hall of Famer in Mike Shanahan. Mike Shanahan has been there 14 years in Denver, two Super Bowls. That's a tough place. They were one play, or maybe one game away from winning the AFC West, so definitely a lot of pressure on Josh McDaniels. I wish him the best, but it's going to be tough trying to replace a legend like that."
Harrison was asked which coach had the greatest impact on his career.
"Definitely I would have to say Bill Belichick," he said. "Coming into the New England Patriots, I thought I knew a lot about football. But really, it was like Football 101. He broke everything down, taught me things I never thought I could learn, and really had an impact on my career."
Like his style on the field, Harrison has held nothing back in his role as an analyst. He's been enjoyable to listen to and appears to have a bright future should he enter broadcasting when his playing days are over (Harrison is currently training and rehabbing to give himself a chance to play in 2009).
NFL.com, the league's official website, has posted some video of Harrison's appearance on "Total Access."
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I thought Rodney did very well on the NFL Network. He is obviously preparing for life after the NFL. I hope he will play in a Patriots uniform again sometime this season.His leadership will be missed.
He's been great. He speaks with wit, intelligence, and insight. Just what you'd expect from Rodney--he's definitely a step up from most of the other guys they've brought on over the years.
I like Rodney on TV. Good interview. This time I'll disagree with his choice for new coach under the most pressure. My pick is Ryan as HC of the NYJ because there is an urgency for the Jets to win now. Whereas Denver's stars are young, the Jets are older and were built to win now. Mangini, as much as we hate him here, was a knee jerk firing, unlike Shanahan who hasn't met expectations for a while. So there is pressure to prove Woody Johnson isn't some spoiled trust fund baby who doesn't know what he's doing. And with new stadium licenses to sell, the Jets have to come out of the gate in 2009 winning. No transition phase will be accepted there, Whereas people will be more patient in Denver. Either case, it will fun to watch the drama unfold.
Rodney, I sure hope you are able to come back for one more season. You just add something undefinable to the entire defense every time you're on the field. And I look forward to more of your commentary once your playing days are finally over...
I believe Rodney is a great person were ever he goes.Very intelligent and articulated.All the comments made by him in the NFL Network were all well said and on the dot.If the Patriots don't sign him it will be a great loss to N.E..As a sportscaster he just got a new job in any sports show,with the intellgence he has shown in the NFL Network.RODNEY keep on doing your great job.Kids need to learn from you.
I love Rodney and I hope he returns. If he joins the NFL network, however, it will be a substanial upgrade in the talent. Good God, someone please replace that blowhard Deion Sanders.
Rodney Harrison is a class act. I must say I love Deion Sanders as well: the guy is a riot and always speaks his mind even if he is a bit of a loon. Harrison is about articulate an athlete as you'll find. He'll be missed in the secondary, even if he has already hit his prime.
Please god, let Rodney replace Rich Eisen of the NFL Network. That guy is a horrible host and interviewer!
I hope that's his permanent position. His playing days are over, unfortunately.
I am getting tired of Rodney and hope that he does not return. Perhaps he would care to comment on the free safety position.
Who is better Rodney. You or Troy Polamaulu?
Troy Polamaulu is great and never is out. You, on the other hand, make an annural date on the all IR Team.
Sir Rodney is part of an aging defense that has kept the Patriots from winning a few more championships. 2006 and 2008 ring a bell? He is the one the Manning brothers favorite players, for sure.
Smart, articulate and ready for the broadcast booth: Rodney Harrison is ready NOW
mwillf,
You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but you seem better suited to blog for someone else's team. There were a host of reasons why the Pats didn't win Superbowls in '06 and'08--the blame does not rest squarely on one player or the "aging" defense. I have confidence that if Belichick felt Rodney or anyone else on the team were not doing their jobs well--they'd be out (i.e. Deltha O'Neal). Rodney brings a much needed combination of physicality and LEADERSHIP to our team.
Sure, mwillf, Harrison is getting old--for football--but do not forget that he was also part of a defense that helped to win two championships. In fact, he effectively sealed the 2004 championship game with an interception. And I doubt that Manning (Peyton, that is) is clamoring for Harrison's return.
Have some respect for the man.
That said, and as well as Rodney did on NFLN, he needs to develop a stronger stage presence--embrace the notion that television broadcasting is a performance.
I guess there are some Jets and Steelers trolls here. Anyone who is a Pats fan would never want Rodney to retire. He looks like hes 25 in that video and is still one of the best tacklers in the league. He also inspires fear in the secondary. Any receiver going over the middle has to worry about Rodney lurking.
Is troy in the 30/30 club?
did anyone see on nfl network rodney tell deione sanders he may be fast but he can't tackle. ha ha. deione was speechless. rich eisen then prodded deione. hey, rodney just dissed you. priceless. give us more, number 37!
Just a heads up,
I found 2 other videos with Rodney commentary in them, at that link Mike provided.
Harrison was a fantastic commentator on the NFL Network. Once he goes into that full time, Rodney will give Marshall Faulk a run for best recent player turned commentator
I am a Patriots fan. I hate the Pittsburgh Steelers. But what I have seen recently is that Rodney has been on the IR more than he has been on the field. He can't inspire fear in the secondary from the sidelines. The defense on the Patriots all around has been in a slow decline for the last few seasons. Harrison has not been around recently to add much. I have a great deal of respect for Rodney Harrison. And my views are not contrarian as much as they are what I see.
A Pittsburgh or New York Jets troll, I am not. A Pats fan that has been going to games since 1974, I am.
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
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