Harrison left his mark as a Steeler

Silverback is no more.

James Harrison, who spent most of his NFL career terrorizing QBs, called it quits today. He chose to sign a one-day contract with the team that made him famous.

The legendary linebacker officially announced his retirement from the NFL Friday at the Steelers' South Side offices after he was unable to renegotiate his contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Harrison also met with the Arizona Cardinals, but couldn't work out terms for a new contract and he finally decided to call it quits.

The five-time Pro Bowl linebacker and 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year announced his retirement on Facebook in August saying the desire to play one more year no longer competes with the need to spend quality time with his family.

He showed no signs of sadness when addressing the media on Friday.

"Alright so if ya'll are looking for tears, you ain't gonna get it." quipped the burly Harrison as he drew laughter from the media in attendance.

Always the showman.

But the show has now come to an end and he acknowledged that.

"I'm just happy to get the opportunity to come back and finish where I started at," said Harrison. "I had some great times here. Keisel, Troy, all the way back to Peezy, Ike. I'd like to thank my family for supporting me."

Art Rooney II weighed in on Harrison's decision to retire with the Steelers.

"Certainly when you're someone like James, who helped us win more than one championship and really probably had the greatest play in Super Bowl history, certainly the greatest play in Steelers Super Bowl history, there's a bond that developed between those teams that win a championship that's unbreakable." said Rooney II. "We're pleased that James chose to come back and asked to come back to announce his retirement today."

Harrison built a reputation as one of the NFL's toughest and most intimidating players during 11 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he evolved from an undrafted free agent to one of the league's best defensive players. But it's that one outstanding play for which he'll always be remembered.

Harrison's 100-yard interception return for a touchdown to end the first half of the 2009 Super Bowl against the Arizona Cardinals is one of the most electric plays in league history and showcased the relentlessness that made No. 92 respected in the locker room and a polarizing figure in the league office.

Harrison called NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a "crook" and a "devil" during an interview with Men's Journal in early 2011. Harrison later apologized and promised to clean up his act. That didn't stop him from sending one last dart toward the commish.

"I'd also like to thank Roger Goodell for being my biggest adversary." said Harrison with a smile as he exited the podium making a funny face at reporters.

An entertainer to the end.

And a dominant linebacker if there ever was one.

John Phillips is a radio personality for 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh and a columnist for Behind The Steel Curtain.