http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh...mes-harrison-goes-beyond-steelers-weight-room
PITTSBURGH -- When Mike Tomlin starts a story with how he grabbed a cup of coffee at 7:30 a.m. and ventured to the Pittsburgh Steelers' weight room, you know what's next before he reveals it.
He finds James Harrison, lifting weights.
"Less than 24 hours after becoming our all-time sacks leader," Tomlin said proudly.
This is a coach's dream anecdote because of the example it sets for young players. But at the Steelers' headquarters, the 38-year-old Harrison is finding other ways to make a heavy impact.
Steelers players and coaches say Harrison -- in what could be his final NFL season -- has been pushing buttons behind the scenes to invigorate a team lingering slightly below expectations.
He's validating those actions with his play, too, breaking Jason Gildon's Steelers sack record with a takedown of Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler after Tomlin inserted him into the lineup.
Teammates perked up when Harrison told anyone who would listen during a recent practice last week that "nothing's going to be given to us, we have to go out there and take it," as linebacker Bud Dupree recalls. At the time the Steelers were marred by a four-game losing streak that only the winless Browns could assuage.
In the linebacker meeting rooms, Harrison has been known to remind young players how success evaded him as an undrafted player out of Kent State.
"He doesn't say too much, but when he says something, everybody pays attention," Dupree said. "He's a great dude on and off the field. As soon as he talked, everyone knows it's a meaning behind it and everyone pays attention deeply."
Harrison's also had the coaches' ears this season. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler says Harrison "expresses his views" to him on the defense as he sees fit. Butler appreciates those words -- to an extent -- because of Harrison's pedigree.
Harrison was a key contributor to Pittsburgh's top-ranked defense in 2011. Through 10 games in 2016, Pittsburgh ranks 20th.
"Most of the time, he's helpful," Butler said. "(His words don't always piss you off. Sometimes they do. But he's honest and he helps the young guys."
Of course, Harrison lifting obscene weights resonates with teammates. Harrison lifts so much that, according to Dupree, "(the team) won't even let us lift like that" because of the dangers involved.
In recent years, the Steelers have drafted defensive players for speed. Harrison is from the era where strength and run-stopping came first. As a result, the heavy lifting has helped Harrison stave off injury as the muscles protect the joints.
After Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys running game plowed through the Steelers' front seven -- including two late touchdowns while Harrison wasn't in the game -- the Steelers turned to a vintage player.
"Even though he's older, he's probably lost speed, but he didn't lose power because of the weights," Dupree said. "He's still a super boulder coming at you."
Players insist Harrison's makeup in the locker room transcends weightlifting. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave said "it's a little bit of everything," from tips on getting free at the line of scrimmage to dietary concerns.
Harrison enjoyed the locker-room life too much to retire last offseason.
"Everybody thinks he puts on a tough persona, which he is, but he’s one of the best teammates I've ever had," guard David DeCastro said. "Genuine, easy to talk to, cares about the team."
PITTSBURGH -- When Mike Tomlin starts a story with how he grabbed a cup of coffee at 7:30 a.m. and ventured to the Pittsburgh Steelers' weight room, you know what's next before he reveals it.
He finds James Harrison, lifting weights.
"Less than 24 hours after becoming our all-time sacks leader," Tomlin said proudly.
This is a coach's dream anecdote because of the example it sets for young players. But at the Steelers' headquarters, the 38-year-old Harrison is finding other ways to make a heavy impact.
Steelers players and coaches say Harrison -- in what could be his final NFL season -- has been pushing buttons behind the scenes to invigorate a team lingering slightly below expectations.
He's validating those actions with his play, too, breaking Jason Gildon's Steelers sack record with a takedown of Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler after Tomlin inserted him into the lineup.
Teammates perked up when Harrison told anyone who would listen during a recent practice last week that "nothing's going to be given to us, we have to go out there and take it," as linebacker Bud Dupree recalls. At the time the Steelers were marred by a four-game losing streak that only the winless Browns could assuage.
In the linebacker meeting rooms, Harrison has been known to remind young players how success evaded him as an undrafted player out of Kent State.
"He doesn't say too much, but when he says something, everybody pays attention," Dupree said. "He's a great dude on and off the field. As soon as he talked, everyone knows it's a meaning behind it and everyone pays attention deeply."
Harrison's also had the coaches' ears this season. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler says Harrison "expresses his views" to him on the defense as he sees fit. Butler appreciates those words -- to an extent -- because of Harrison's pedigree.
Harrison was a key contributor to Pittsburgh's top-ranked defense in 2011. Through 10 games in 2016, Pittsburgh ranks 20th.
"Most of the time, he's helpful," Butler said. "(His words don't always piss you off. Sometimes they do. But he's honest and he helps the young guys."
Of course, Harrison lifting obscene weights resonates with teammates. Harrison lifts so much that, according to Dupree, "(the team) won't even let us lift like that" because of the dangers involved.
In recent years, the Steelers have drafted defensive players for speed. Harrison is from the era where strength and run-stopping came first. As a result, the heavy lifting has helped Harrison stave off injury as the muscles protect the joints.
After Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys running game plowed through the Steelers' front seven -- including two late touchdowns while Harrison wasn't in the game -- the Steelers turned to a vintage player.
"Even though he's older, he's probably lost speed, but he didn't lose power because of the weights," Dupree said. "He's still a super boulder coming at you."
Players insist Harrison's makeup in the locker room transcends weightlifting. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave said "it's a little bit of everything," from tips on getting free at the line of scrimmage to dietary concerns.
Harrison enjoyed the locker-room life too much to retire last offseason.
"Everybody thinks he puts on a tough persona, which he is, but he’s one of the best teammates I've ever had," guard David DeCastro said. "Genuine, easy to talk to, cares about the team."
