Travis Kelce recalls his first encounter with James Harrison
During this time of year players are making their rounds on vacations while also getting ready for the upcoming season. During that time is also when players will spend some time with media, and that includes all sorts of media. Podcasts have become more and more popular with both current and former players, and it is on these podcasts. when players tend to be their most honest about the topics discussed.
Recently on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast, which his hosted by former NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, they had Kansas City Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce on the show. Kelce openly spoke about life dating Taylor Swift, playing alongside Patrick Mahomes, but he also shared a story regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers.
More specifically, what it was like the first time he squared up against James Harrison off the edge. Take a look at the clip below:
(NOTE: This video has language which might not be suitable for work, or children within earshot.)
Travis Kelce on James Harrison staring him down:
“I’m just kind of looking around. I look over at him and he’s just staring at me with the f*cking visor on again, not saying a thing. I’m like this guy he’s f*cking killed somebody for sure.”#steelers
🎥@BussinWTB pic.twitter.com/ELpu6IGJq2
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) July 4, 2025
The visor Kelce is talking about is the same visor which can be seen in the image accompanying this article. It is a great reminder of those days in Steelers history when not only did the defense have an enforcer, but also when the NFL permitted players to skirt the rules to be an enforcer.
Consider this just one of many articles I could write which would be considered a “James Harrison Appreciation” post.
Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the final days until they report to training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on July 23rd.
To a degree, a touch of sociopathy can be helpful in playing football. Some took that too far, e.g. Tatum and Burfict.
I agree a touch of sociopathy can be helpful when it comes to football. I also want to agree with you that some have taken it too far–and we wear black and gold colored glasses though–if we were fans of another team–surely we would have Harrison on the list of names who took things too far–for example, Harrison’s hit on the Brown’s receiver Massaquoi or whatever his name was. He laid him out and it wasn’t necessary.
Yeah, folks didn’t much like Greene, Blount, or Lloyd, either. The distinction is that Tatum and Burfict deliberately tried to injure their opponents, not just hit them forcefully.
There’s nothing wrong with intimidation.
Recently rewatched James Harrison’s “a football life”. He was probably the scariest guy in nfl history. Up there for sure. Matt Light from the patriots was mic’ed up trying to guard him and was like “he’s got one move and I know it’s coming but can’t stop it”. Can’t imagine game planning for him and Troy
Can you imagine lining up, looking across the LOS, and realizing you’re responsible for taking James Harrison out of the play?