Harrison named team MVP
PITTSBURGH — Willie Parker led the NFL in rushing until getting hurt last week and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is going to the Pro Bowl for the first time.
But to his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates, no player had a better season than outside linebacker James Harrison.
Harrison, a first-year starter cut by Pittsburgh three times earlier in his career, is a somewhat surprising choice as the Steelers' MVP — even to Harrison himself. He is the second linebacker in four seasons to win the award, joining James Farrior in 2004.
Harrison's selection marks the 14th time since the award was established in 1969 that a linebacker has won it. That this linebacker upstaged Parker and Roethlisberger to be the MVP is what was unexpected — until this season, Harrison was former Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Porter's backup.
Harrison acknowledged Wednesday that he was "a little" surprised.
"I saw some people writing my name down, so I figured I might have a chance," he said.
Harrison might have been helped by the defensive players uniting behind him and offensive players perhaps splitting between Parker and Roethlisberger. Parker won a year ago after rushing for 1,494 yards on an 8-8 team.
Harrison has 8Z\x sacks, six forced fumbles, an interception, two recovered fumbles and 73 tackles. Even after becoming a starter, he kept playing on special teams, where he has 12 tackles.
Harrison is also going to the Pro Bowl for the first time and will start for the AFC.
"I think it's just a matter of more opportunities," Harrison said. "This is my first season starting, my first year being able to contribute on a regular basis."
No other Steelers MVP has been cut as many times before winning the award. Harrison was released by the Steelers three times during the 2002 and 2003 seasons and was waived once by Baltimore, the team he faces Sunday.
Fittingly, Harrison had 3Z\x sacks, an interception and three forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles against Baltimore on Nov. 5, arguably the best game by an NFL defensive player this season.
"It drives you and motivates you to prove people wrong," said Harrison.
