James Harrison hits back at former team: 'They made a business decision, and so did I'

Via Instagram on Friday morning, new Patriots linebacker James Harrison addressed some of the criticism that has been aimed at him by his old team and his former teammates. In a series of posts, he wrote the following:


“If anybody thought I signed a two-year deal with the team in the NFL at age 39 to sit on the bench and collect a check in the participation trophy they’re mistaken. I didn't sign up to sit on the bench and be a cheerleader. I was clear about that when I signed, and I was told I would be on the field when I signed. When I was asking for reps in camp, I got none. I got lip service though: We know what you can do — you don't need the reps. But I know what my body needs in order to be in shape to compete, and I said so, but still zero reps.

“At the beginning of the season, when it was clear I didn't have a role anymore, I asked to be released. Throughout the season I was told week in and week out that I'd be used. I wasn't. I started getting frustrated about the whole thing. I asked not be dressed or take unnecessary practice reps if I wasn’t going to play. That’s what happened for a (couple) weeks, then we had a game week that I got solid reps in practice, and everyone assumed I would play. I got to the stadium four hours early as usual, and my locker was empty. Nobody said anything to me about being inactive, just an empty locker. I asked to be released again. I was told no. A couple weeks later, they dress me for the game so I assume I'm going to play, and I get zero reps. Stood on the sideline the whole game. I asked to be released again, I was told no. Then a few days later, they released me.

“I was never told I would be brought back. It was: If I bring (you) back, be in shape. I cleared waivers, and they didn’t call. New England called. Also to be clear, ask Ryan (Shazier) if I came to see him in the hospital. I didn’t help Bud (Dupree) or TJ (Watt)? Ask TJ if I helped him.

“Maybe I didn't handle my frustration the best that I could've. If you haven't learned anything about me over the last 16 years, I'm a competitor to my core. I live and breathe competition. I do what it takes to keep my body and my mind ready to be on that field. I do it for me, I do it for my family, I do it for my team, and do it for the fans. Nothing else to it at the end of the day, they made a business decision, and so did I.”