NFL: 30 greatest seasons from players 30 and older
By Tommy Jaggi
Pittsburgh Steelers. James Harrison. 27. player. 55. . OLB
NFL: 30 greatest seasons from players 30 and older: 27. James Harrison, 2008
With all of the terrific seasons by aging quarterbacks over the years, it was very hard for a defensive player to crack this list, but James Harrison was certainly deserving. While his statistical production doesn’t possess the longevity to warrant Hall of Fame consideration, he easily could have sported the gold jacket if his career would have gotten off to an earlier start.
Though he entered the league as an undrafted free agent back in 2002, Harrison didn’t become a full-time starter until the 2007 season at the age of 29. However, by 30, Harrison was not only dominating NFL defenses, he was doing so at a higher level than nearly every other pass rusher in the game.
In 2008, Harrison showcased one of the most spectacular seasons I have ever seen from an edge defender – regardless of age. Despite missing one game, Harrison was able to record numerous eye-popping numbers for the position that included 101 tackles, 16.0 sacks, 16 tackles for a loss, 19 quarterback hits, a safety, and a league-high seven forced fumbles.
Harrison ultimately locked down Defensive Player of the Year honors – beating out Demarcus Ware and his 20.0-sack season. The Steelers star capped off one of the greatest defensive seasons ever with a 100-yard interception returned for a touchdown in the Super Bowl against the Arizona Cardinals.