I have made the difficult decision to retire as of today. My love for my family and the need to be there for them... http://t.co/ImKsz4K5Pt
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) August 30, 2014
James Harrison isn't going to play for the Arizona Cardinals this year, or any other NFL team. Through his verified Twitter account and his Facebook page, Harrison has decided to retire from football rather than return to the NFL for another season.
Harrison cites family as the main reason for his departure from the game. In a statement on his Facebook page, Harrison believes another season in the NFL isn't worth missing another monumental family event.
"I have made the difficult decision to retire as of today. My love for my family and the need to be there for them outweighs my desire to play the game. I have missed too may experiences with them because I devoted SO much time to my career. My love for the game isn't strong enough to make up for missing more more birthday or first day of school. I am retiring as a man who is truly grateful for all of his blessings. I am sincerely thankful to the people who have supported me over the years, first and foremost my family, the Rooney family and my Steelers family, also Mr. Brown, the Bengals organization and fans, ad last but FAR from least, Steeler Nation. Thank you."
Harrison's retirement marks the end to a career that included being a Pro Bowler five times, first team All-Pro twice, three-time AFC Champion, the 2008 defensive player of the year, and winning two Super Bowls, not to mention being one of the most memorable players ever to put on a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform.