Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Shalise Manza Young
Journal Sports Writer

Rodney Harrison just wrapped the conference call in which he announced his retirement from the NFL after 15 seasons, which took him from San Diego to New England and four Super Bowl appearances.

He began the call with a joke, saying that contrary to reports, "I just got off the phone with coach Belichick, and I just signed a two-year contract with the Patriots. I'm excited to get back with my teammates and getting back on the field. The knee feels great, everything feels great."

But after a beat, Harrison said, "I'm pulling your leg."

"I'm very proud and very excited to announce my retirement from the NFL. ... I feel like I've accomplished everything I can on the field and there's nothing left to prove. ... There's been a lot of ups, a lot of downs, and the downs really helped shape me into the person I am today," he said.

(The initial audio quality on the call wasn't great, so I apologize for the choppiness.)

The 145th pick of the 1994 draft out of Western Illinois, Harrison thanked God, his family, his wife and his mother for their support, the Chargers for drafting him, and Patriots owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick for "giving me a second lease on my football life." He also thanked his teammates and the fans who supported him throughout his career.

Harrison did not directly confirm that he has signed a contract to work as a broadcaster with NBC, instead telling media members to ask Pats' PR chief Stacey James for information on the noon conference call the network has scheduled to announce its new talent for its NFL programs.

In the past, Harrison has said that when he retires it would be final, and he confirmed that again, saying "never, never" will he reverse course and return, in part because he wouldn't want to be a distraction to his teammates.

"When I make my decision, I'm at peace with that. Football's been good to me. I've worked hard, I've played hard, and now it's time for the next phase of my life."

Harrison did acknowledge that he was approached by several teams about a return, but in the end, his desire to have as normal a post-football life as possible in terms of his physical well-being was a priority. He is an avid golfer, has two young sons and a daughter with whom he plays tennis, and wanted to be able to do all of those things.

While Harrison wasn't able to walk off the field on his own -- his final NFL play was the one at the end of the third quarter against Denver on Oct. 20 that resulted in a torn quadriceps -- he even sees a certain poetry in that:

"When you lay everything out on the line, a lot of times it's not the fairy tale ending that you'd like, but I tell you, I couldn't ask for more. My very first play of training camp in 1994 [as a rookie with the Chargers], I hit Natrone Means full-speed and I was on the training table, knocked out, for two hours, and that's how I went out of the game. God had a plan for me.

"I could still play, but I decided enough is enough. I'm still a relatively young man despite what you guys [in the media] say."

Talk about whether Harrison -- who is the only player in NFL history with over 30 sacks and 30 interceptions -- is worthy of the Hall of Fame began in the days after his season-ending injury.

But he seemed unconcerned about whether or not he'll one day have his bust in Canton.

"To be honest with you, the Hall of Fame a lot of times is based on individual accomplishment. It's just an opinion. The one thing no one can take away from me is my Super Bowl rings, and that means more to me than the Hall of Fame. Whoever makes that decision, I'm fine with it either way."

 Tags  New England Patriots

Comments

steve said:

thanks Rodney I have been a fan a long time your the one of the best the sport has seen.Wish you luck in your new job.

Link | June 3, 2009 9:49 AM
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Tony said:

Good player but I am sure the PEDs helped. No way does he deserve the Hall of Fame; just like al the other athletes who have cheated do not.

Link | June 3, 2009 11:14 AM
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