James Harrison proved he can still make an impact by recording two sacks in his debut with the New England Patriots on Sunday, but it seems like the 39-year-old is trying to prove something other than the fact that he can still play.
Prior to the game, Harrison stood by himself behind his new teammates, who stood side by side along the sideline. When reporters asked him about the unusual behavior, Harrison revealed very little.
James Harrison on standing behind the entire team during the National Anthem: "I did not know what was going on. They did not tell me about that."
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) December 31, 2017
It’s unclear what Harrison meant by that. Perhaps he didn’t know that the Patriots have been standing side by side during the anthem and felt like he was out of the loop, but it seems like Harrison was trying to make a point.
Harrison has already said that he made a “business decision” by signing with New England. He spent the majority of his career with the Steelers, and the Patriots are hated in Pittsburgh. When asked how it felt to make his debut with the Pats, Harrison did all he could to downplay it.
James Harrison on playing for the Patriots for the first time: It felt good. I mean, just like any other team. That’s like you going and reporting for a different news channel or different newspaper. It’s no different than that.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) December 31, 2017
James Harrison: "My focus right now? It’s Sunday, right? Monday is legs."
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) December 31, 2017
Harrison: I listen for what people say I can’t do. I want to prove people wrong. I want to show I’m able to still do it. I may not be able to do it like I used to, but I want to prove I’m still able to do it to where I should be out there.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) December 31, 2017
Harrison wanted to keep playing football, and he said the Patriots were the only team that offered him a contract. All signs point to him trying to somehow show he is not a “traitor” and that playing for New England is nothing but business. If he goes on to help the Patriots win a championship, perhaps he’ll change his stance a bit.
