There's Nothing Like Being Rewarded For Your Hard Work, Just Ask James Harrison

[Da Boss DJ Jo Corleone]

Doesn’t it feel good to be recognized for your hard work? A goal that everyone in the work force shares, being shown that you are appreciated in the form of a raise. In the world of professional sports though, it’s either called contract renegotiations or a being resigned, which was the case for Pittsburgh Steelers line backer James Harrison.

Harrison just worked out a new deal with the Steelers worth $51.175 million over the next six years, plus a signing bonus worth around $20 million. This comes after Harrison was named the NFL’s defensive player of the year, thanks in part to his 16 sacks in just 15 games. He also had a 100-yard touchdown interception during the superbowl against the Cardinals.

Harrison was an undrafted linebacker that was cut twice, before winning the starting job in Pittsburgh, after the departure of Joey Porter. We have to give props to the Steeler’s organization, for wanting to sign their star linebacker before he becomes a free agent in 2010. This is something that a lot of organizations in the NFL fail to do, especially when one of those players are over the age of 30.

Pittsburgh is normally like the rest of the league, as far as resigning players goes. Over the past few years we’ve seen the departure of Plaxico Burress, Joey Porter, and Marvel Smith, the big offensive lineman. One reason a lot of teams release such valuable players, is to show other players that they are expendable and replaceable. It’s the same formula that we see the Patriots use. It sends a message to the rest of the players that states, “We can win with you or without you.”

Just like most jobs in America, the upper offices make their employees feel like if they don’t like their job at the pay rate they’re being paid then they’ll get someone else to do the job. But Harrison’s performance over the last few seasons was so remarkable, that the Steelers understood that if they didn’t take care of this employee, someone else would, and they definitely don’t want to go against him, if he’s playing for someone else.