The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some intimidating defenses throughout the history of the organization. Their defense led the team to four Super Bowl victories during the 1970s, and they had another dominant defensive unit during the 2000s and early 2010s. The dominating defense returned later on in the late-2010s and 2020s, but that same level of team success has not yet been reached. Pittsburgh was able to win two Super Bowls during the 2000s, and the defense played a major role, with one of the key players in the second victory being outside linebacker James Harrison.
Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images
The Steelers' 2010 defense, led by James Harrison (#92), Brett Keisel (#99) and James Farrior (#51) in Super Bowl XLV against the Green Bay Packers.
The former outside linebacker was known as a freak of nature. His workout videos would often go viral, and they were validated by the way he showed off his strength and power on the field. He was so strong, that some speculated he could have been taking steroids.
On the most recent episode of Bussin' With The Boys, Will Compton, Taylor Lewan, and Travis Kelce were discussing Harrison. They showed a video of him pushing a heavy sled while in retirement, and mainly Compton and Lewan had some comments.
"Got to be on something, got to be on something," Compton and Lewan both said. "I mean now, for sure. But when he played? I mean he was undrafted." Lewan said.
Harrison never got into any trouble while he was in the league for anything other than his on-the-field actions. He has been fined for roughing the passer, late hits, and unnecessary roughness, but nothing has ever suggested Harrison did anything to sacrifice the integrity of the game like taking Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs), but Compton had more to say on the matter.
"There's rumors." Compton said.
Compton said in response to Lewan's question, which is insinuating that there are rumors in league circles that Harrison took PEDs during his career. Compton did not go any further, and it doesn't seem like there is any validity to what he said.
George Gojkovich / Getty Images
Steelers' Cam Heyward (97) and James Harrison (92) celebrate a sack during a game in 2016 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Harrison is well-respected due to his journey to get to the NFL. He didn't got to a big school as he went to Kent State, and he wasn't invited to the NFL's Scouting Combine. He wasn't drafted either. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Steelers, bounced around the practice squad, and was even released three times. He also signed with the Baltimore Ravens for a short stint before being cut, and then he signed with Pittsburgh again and stuck around for good.
He went on to have an illustrious career in the black and gold. He made Super Bowl history by picking off Kurt Warner in the end zone and returning it for a 100-yard touchdown as time expired in the first half, which ultimately was a big play in the win for Pittsburgh. He also won the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year Award, was a four-time All-Pro, and a five-time Pro Bowler. Never, at any point in his career, was there any reason to believe he was cheating the system by taking PEDs.
Stephen Brashear / ap photo
Will Compton during his playing days with Washington.
Steelers Legend James Harrison Has Been Accused Of Taking Steroids By Will Compton Before
This is not the first time that Compton has speculated that Harrison took some sort of PEDs during his career. He has said it before during a different conversation on a different podcast, but he seems to still believe it. It is unclear if he has any reason to believe this, or if he is just assuming it because of the way Harrison trained and played. Just looking at Harrison might make someone believe he was taking something, but it would be impossible to have such a dominant career and not get caught doing something like that.
What do you think of the remarks from Compton? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
