Super Bowl Media Day has transformed James Harrison from the schoolyard bully to the class clown.
Harrison, the Steelers linebacker who racked up fines topping six figures this season, mocked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell when asked about the league’s commitment to player safety. Harrison joked about players getting hurt as reminiscent of kids stubbing their toes, and he offered a suggestion for how the game could be made safer.
“Lay pillows down where I tackle them so they don’t get hurt when they hit the ground, Mr. Goodell,” Harrison said.
Harrison is known as one of the league’s most intimidating players, but at Media Day he has been something of a comedian, clowning the league office -- which he clearly thinks is a joke.
Still, Harrison also said he’s bitter about having $100,000 taken out of his paychecks. If the Steelers win on Sunday, Harrison and Goodell on the podium together would make for the most compelling Super Bowl post-game show in history.