Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison was one of the most imposing players in football during his heyday. In fact, Harrison is still a sight to behold.
The 42-year-old remained in the NFL through his age-39 season, and he still frequents social media due to a rigorous workout regiment, which often displays feats of immense strength. Mohamed Massaquoi knows all too well what it feels like when Harrison lowers the boom. Massaquoi was on the receiving end of a massive hit from Harrison during a Week 6 showdown between the Steelers and Cleveland Browns in 2010.
The former Browns receiver was running a crossing route when he had the misfortune of running right into Harrison, who met him with full force. Massaquoi suffered a concussion as a result.
Though Harrison was not penalized for the hit, he was later fined $75,000 by the NFL. However, Harrison hinted Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin actually paid his fine.
Harrison, on Barstool's “Going Deep” podcast, said Tomlin “handed me an envelope” after the hit, though he did not explicitly say what the envelop contained, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN.
“The g-est thing Mike Tomlin ever did, he handed me an envelope after that,” Harrison said on Barstool's “Going Deep” podcast. “I'm not going to say what, but he handed me an envelope after that.”
Of course, Harrison was smart not to divulge what was in the envelope specifically. The New Orleans Saints were swallowed in controversy due to “Bountygate,” in which Saints coaches paid their players to knock opponents out of games.
Simultaneously, it is rather clear he is alluding to Tomlin paying the fine. Pryor reported the Steelers and NFL did not respond to comment.
For his part, Harrison maintains to this day the hit was legal.
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