Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison announces retirement

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison, 36, announced his retirement from professional football Saturday.

He issued the following statement on his official Facebook page:

I have made the difficult decision to retire as of today. My love for my family and the need to be there for them outweighs my desire to play the game. I have missed too many experiences with them because I devoted SO much time to my career. My love for the game isn't strong enough to make up for missing one more birthday or first day of school. I am retiring as a man who is truly grateful for all of his blessings. I am sincerely thankful to the people who have supported me over the years, first and foremost my family, the Rooney family and my Steeler family, also Mr. Brown, the Bengals organization and fans, and last but FAR from least, Steeler Nation. Thank you.

Harrison was a five-time Pro Bowler from 2007-11 and a two-time first-team All-Pro (2008, 2010).

The fearsome pass rusher was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2008, but perhaps the crowning achievement in his career was his 100-yard interception return touchdown to end the first half of Super Bowl XLIII: