James Harrison confirms he'll play for Steelers in 2016

ByJeremy Fowler ESPN logo
Monday, May 2, 2016

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison confirmed what has been widely expected for a while now.

He's back.

Harrison, 38, posted an Instagram photo of him walking out of the Steelers' tunnel with the words "I'M BACK" in bold, along with a message that "like a fine wine" he was "getting better with age."

Shortly after that, the Steelers' official Twitter account tweeted Harrison's image while commenting, "What he said."

Harrison wanted to undertake a rigorous six-to-eight-week training schedule to ensure he was up for another year in pads. He highlighted those workouts daily on social media, often lifting absurd amounts of weight. Apparently, he has completed that training.

Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, told ESPN in late February that Harrison planned to honor his contract, which has one year remaining. The Steelers were bracing for his return.

"He's working out awfully hard for a retired guy," said coach Mike Tomlin on Saturday night after the draft.

Harrison was still productive in 2015, with 40 tackles and five sacks despite playing in a pass-rush rotation with Arthur Moats and first-round picks Bud Dupree and Jarvis Jones.