It wasn’t that long ago that Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison was an undrafted and pretty much confused football player. He was cut four times and his NFL career was on the verge of ending before it even got started. But two years ago, he got a second chance with the Steelers and broke into their starting lineup. Yesterday, he broke the bank. The Steelers signed the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player-of-the-Year to a six-year, $51.7 million contract ($20 million guaranteed).
Aside from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ($102 million for eight years, $36 million guaranteed), this was the largest contract ever given to …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is calling linebacker James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return for a touchdown “the greatest single defensive play in Super Bowl history.” I can’t argue with that. It sure came at an opportune time. Not only was it an NFL record for the longest play in Super Bowl history, but his full field romp stopped what appeared to be a sure score for the Cardinals and gave the Steelers a ten-point lead and all the momentum heading into halftime. Of course, it’s what you would expect from the NFL’s Defensive Player …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The Arizona Cardinals spent some of their practice time in the rain today. A steady drizzle hit the Cards about an hour into a two hour and 15 minute workout. But it didn’t stop injured defensive players Travis LaBoy and Antonio Smith, who both worked extensively. Running back J.J. Arrington did some offensive reps but was held out of special teams’ work at the end of practice to protect his knee.
For both yesterday’s and today’s practices, the Cards had defensive scout players wear the jersey numbers for Pittsburgh linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, and …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro linebacker James Harrison is an absolute menace to opposing offenses. Today, he was rewarded for it by being named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. Having been voted — by his teammates — as the Steelers’ team MVP for a second straight season, he’s becoming rather accustomed to the accolades:
“It’s a tremendous honor. I feel good. I don’t know if I have the words to express it, I am not going to show you the emotions, but it feels good.”
James is not only a prototypical NFL linebacker, he’s a prototypical Pittsburgh …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Here is the AFC Pro Bowl roster. Starters are listed in bold.
OFFENSE
QB: Peyton Manning, Colts; Brett Favre, Jets; Jay Cutler, Broncos
RB: Thomas Jones, Jets; Chris Johnson, Titans; Ronnie Brown, Dolphins
FB: Le’Ron McClain, Ravens
WR: Andre Johnson, Texans; Brandon Marshall, Broncos; Reggie Wayne, Colts; Wes Welker, Patriots
TE: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs; Antonio Gates, Chargers
T: Joe Thomas, Browns; Jason Peters, Bills; Michael Roos, Titans
G: Alan Faneca, Jets; Kris Dielman, Chargers; Brian Waters, Chiefs
C: Kevin Mawae, Titans; Nick Mangold, Jets
DEFENSE
DE: Mario Williams, Texans; Dwight Freeney, Colts; Robert Mathis, Colts
DT: Albert Haynesworth, …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers lead the AFC’s 2008 Pro Bowl squad with a conference-high eight players each. New England’s eight All-Stars equals a franchise high set by the 1985 Pats. The AFC roster includes 18 first-time All-Stars, including Cincinnati WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who leads the NFL with 101 receptions.