James Harrison told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Wednesday that he wants to play another season and will know after six weeks of training if his body will allow it.
“I want to get back out there and get to at least six weeks of training and, by the end of that six weeks, feel good, not have any aches and pains,” Harrison said. “You’ll have the normal soreness, but not having aches and pains and be able to have movements will be the key.
“If I get to that point and I’m feeling good, there’s probably a good chance – no, not probably – I will play.”
Earlier this week, both Harrison’s agent and Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert indicated that Harrison is in the team’s plans. Harrison, a five-time Pro Bowler, will be 38 in May and is scheduled to make $1.5 million in 2016.
Harrison’s training and treatment process was made sort of legendary by Hard Knocks in 2013, when he was with the Bengals. It takes a lot of work to play 14 NFL seasons, and Harrison often shares workout videos on his own social media accounts.
Harrison said he wants a “guarantee” after six weeks of training from his body that he’s ready to endure another season.
“I’m going to start the process of making sure that I can get back to where I need to be so I’m able to give 100 percent,” he said. “If I’m not able to get back to that point, I’ll do what’s necessary to be fair to my team and myself.”