Shaquille O’Neal has been going off on his Instagram story lately, and one of his posts included an embarrassing James Harrison interview. The person interviewing Harrison clearly had no idea who Harrison was or just hadn’t done their research. As the interview was wrapping up, the interviewer called for two more questions for Harrison, asking him about his combine experience and draft day experience. However, Harrison skipped the combine and wasn’t drafted.
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Harrison’s rise in the NFL is truly remarkable. He grew up in Akron, Ohio, playing high school football in the city, but he went unnoticed in the NFL draft. However, the Steelers would sign him, and after a long journey with various teams and leagues, Harrison finally earned starting privileges for a full year in 2007. Harrison finished his career with two Super Bowl wins, and is a key part of Steelers’ history.
Shaquille O’Neal shares embarrassing James Harrison Interview
Shaquille O’Neal has been big on social media lately, especially his Instagram. His story is stockpiled with reels of hilarious moments and other sporting feats.
One of these included Harrison’s interview. The story isn’t up any longer, but the big man made sure to point out just how ludicrous the entire thing was.
The interviewer says, “Two last questions for you. The combine. What was that experience like for you?” Harrison has to shake his head in disbelief before the interviewer follows up with, “How about the draft?” after Harrison has to tell him he didn’t go to the combine. It’s truly one of the most awkward interview moments.
Shaq made sure to put it out on his story for everyone to see as well. Harrison’s reply, “You don’t know me, do you?”, perfectly sums up the situation.
Harrison had a remarkable career despite being undrafted
Harrison never let being undrafted kick him down. After being signed by the Steelers in 2002, he spent time on the practice squad before he was signed by the Baltimore Ravens in 2003.
The Ravens then shipped him off to Europe before he was signed back by the Steelers in 2005. Harrison debated retiring and felt like he would have done so had the Steelers not signed him again.
From there, things went up as Harrison’s name become popular within the Steelers’ defense. The Steelers would win the Super Bowl in 2006 and Harrison received a ring, although he only played special teams in that game.
It was the 2009 Super Bowl that marked Harrison’s career-defining play. Against the Arizona Cardinals, the Steelers’ defense faced a crucial test as the first half was coming to a close. Pittsburgh was up 10-7, but the Cardinals were knocking on the door, threatening to take the lead.
Harrison cut in front of Kurt Warner’s pass for Anquan Boldin and took the ball back 100 yards for a touchdown. At the time, it was the longest touchdown play in Super Bowl history. It has since been surpassed by Jacoby Jones’ 107-yard kick return for a touchdown, but Harrison’s play still stands as the longest interception return for a touchdown in the Super Bowl.
For a game that finished 27-23, Harrison’s score was extremely vital. It swung the game from being 14-10 Arizona to 17-7 Pittsburgh. All in all, Harrison had a successful career despite not being picked up in the NFL draft. He finished as a Super Bowl champion and a DPOY, winning the award in the 2008 season. What more could you ask for?
