James Harrison might be the ultimate 21st century rags to riches NFL story. Undrafted 20 years ago out of Kent State, Harrison caught on with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But not for long.
In fact, he was cut four times–by the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens before finally earning a full-time starting role five years later. The next season, he became the only undrafted player to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.
A fierce linebacker in the Pittsburgh tradition, Harrison helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls.
He collected plenty of honors during his 15-year career–and he was pretty good at collecting his own game-used memorabilia. Now, he’s turned over a big chunk of it to Heritage Auctions, which is offering “The James Harrison Collection” in its current Platinum Night catalog.
Among those consignments? Twenty-five game jerseys, mostly from his long Steelers career but also a couple from his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. Some of the lots aren’t just the jerseys, though. There are game-worn shoes, game-used cleats, gloves and footballs and other items–most of them signed by Harrison.
Those who prefer signs of pro football battles on their jerseys and gloves won’t be disappointed. Harrison had the good sense not to wash his memorabilia, making it easier to photo match.
Nearly all of the items have been signed and inscribed by Harrison and all of them come with his letter of authenticity.
Harrison has also turned over four of his five Pro Bowl jerseys: 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012.
Rarely offered game-used shoulder pad sets are also part of the auction–seven sets of them.
The Harrison items will close on the second night of the auction, August 28.
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