Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison retires

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has announced his retirement from the NFL.

In an announcement on his Facebook page, Harrison told his fans that his family is more important than football.

“I have missed too many experiences with them because I devoted SO much time to my career,” he said. “My love for the game isn’t strong enough to make up for missing one more birthday or first day of school.”

Harrison spent 11 years in the NFL after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State in 2002. Harrison did not start a regular season game until the 2004 NFL season, but became a five-time Pro-Bowler and a two-time All-Pro, according to USA Today.

In 2008, Harrison led the Steelers to their second Super Bowl Championship in three years and he won the AP NFL defensive player of the year, according to CBS Sports.

Harrison ends his career with 472 tackles, 66 sacks, six interceptions, including a 100-yard return in the 2009 Super Bowl, and 22 forced fumbles.

Last season he played for the Cincinnati Bengals.

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