James Harrison Strongly Hints at 2015 Return

At an age where most linebackers of his reputation may be researching the best fly-fishing spots in North America, monstrous Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison is gearing up to once again hit the weights room.

He may be 36, but the man affectionately known as ‘The Silverback’ has made his intentions to return in 2015 very clear. In a recent Instagram post he stated, ‘I decided to hold off on retirement, so it’s time to pack up and head to AZ to start my training so I can be ready to play another year!’

An official statement it is not, but in a modern sports world in which social media reigns supreme, Harrison’s admission is almost as good as an iron-clad contract. As he heads home to Scottsdale, the brass at Steelers HQ must decide whether or not his presence will be needed next season.

Harrison’s services will be on call to every NFL team this offseason, having completed his one-year contract with the Steelers. After a year of irrelevance in Cincinnati, Harrison returned to his beloved Black & Gold in week four of the 2014 season. He was brought back primarily to add depth to a linebacking corps severely lacking experience. Of course, Harrison doesn’t really play the ‘old mentor’ angle, and by season’s end he was arguably the team’s best pass rusher.

Now, that may say more about Pittsburgh’s abhorrent defense than it does Harrison’s newfound youth, but the point remains: the man still has something left to give.

There were times last season when Pittsburgh genuinely seemed like a team of destiny, due in no small part to Harrison’s contributions. It looked like the veteran was burning whatever little was left in the tank for one last shot at glory, and damned if he didn’t spontaneously combust on the field in his pursuit of another championship.

Had the Steelers gone all the way and brought an unprecedented seventh Lombardi back to the ‘Burgh, Harrison may well have been kicking back and cleaning his hunting rifle by now.

But the reality is very different, and with it come some difficult decisions. Is there a place for Harrison in the Steel City amidst a highly touted group of fresh blood? Could he repeat 2014’s inspirational, 5.5-sack season if re-signed? Or would the beast himself prefer to follow mentor Dick LeBeau to Tennessee? The winds of change are blowing in Pittsburgh, and Steeler Nation might not like the chill.