Remembering the Steelers Signing James Harrison as an Undrafted Free Agent in the Theft of the Century

James Harrison is one of the best defensive players ever to wear a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform. It is easy to forget, howevrer, that he wasn't drafted by the team -- or any team -- and did not earn a stabl job until his fourth stint in town.

The Steelers gave the Kent State product a chance by signing him as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He was on and off the practice squad and nearly retired after his career seemed to be going nowhere. After being let go embarking on a short stint with the Baltimore Ravens, Harrison returned to the Steel City in 2004 -- and the rest is history.

He appeared in all 16 games in 2004 and made his first Pro Bowl in 2007, starting a streak of five straight appearances; he also earned four All-Pro nods and was named Defensive Player of the Year in that span.

The highlight of his career, however, came in Super Bowl XLIII, when he took a Kurt Warner pass 100 yards for a touchdown in a game that ended with the Steelers victorious by the score of 27-23.

All this after being cut by the team several times before his career had a chance to take off.

2002 was a weird year for the Steelers. Their best two players from that year's college class were arguably Harrison and Brett Keisel; the former went undrafted and the latter was taken late in the seventh round. This type of scouting -- and faith in players -- explains why the Steelers have been so successful for so long.

Giving the beastly linebacker multiple chances paid off, and other teams can use it as a lesson to be patient with players who show raw talent, but just need a bit more time to learn and develop. There are more players like Harrison out there just waiting for their chance to shine.