By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

Steelers MVP Press Release

Linebacker James Harrison is a man of few words, but he managed to share his feelings after being voted as the Steelers Most Valuable Player by his teammates on Wednesday.

“It is a real big honor to be voted MVP by my teammates,” said Harrison. “It just shows that they feel how valuable I am to the team. I am honored.”

This is Harrison’s first season as a full-time starter and he has been spectacular, making the Pro Bowl and being selected MVP while leading the team with eight and a half sacks and six forced fumbles. He also has 73 tackles, one interception and two fumble recoveries.

“I think it is just a matter of more opportunities,” said Harrison of his success this year. “It is my first year starting.  It is my first year getting the opportunity to go out there and show what I can do.”

Harrison, who voted for Ben Roethlisberger for MVP, has had his ups and downs during his NFL career having been cut four times. But he has proven those who questioned him wrong.

“When people say things that I can’t do, that is what drives me and motivates me to prove them wrong,” said Harrison. “I started hearing people say I couldn’t do stuff when I was five.  This is not anything new. (They said) I couldn’t run faster than them, I couldn’t jump higher than them. It was just little kid stuff.  I was too short, I was too slow.”

When asked by a reporter if he worked on his speed throughout the years, Harrison was quick with a comeback.

“I didn’t think I was that slow.  Do you think my speed is a problem?” asked Harrison. “I don’t think it is.” 

*  *  *

Free safety Tyrone Carter will get the starting call this week against the Ravens in favor of Anthony Smith for the second straight game.

“Tyrone has played quite a bit because of Troy’s (Polamalu) injury,” said head coach Mike Tomlin. “He has played very consistently and at a very high level. Anthony has experienced some troubles, letting the ball get behind him. 

“The reality is, when you play extremely consistent and you keep the ball in front of you, those are qualities we like, so we chose to start Tyrone. Anthony is going to be a good player, but he has been experiencing tough times, so we went with the guy that has been playing well.”

*  *  *

Linebacker LaMarr Woodley saw increased playing time last week against the Rams and Tomlin was pleased with the performance of the team’s second-round draft pick.

“LaMarr did some good things,” said Tomlin. “He provided some pressure off of the edge for us. He got to the quarterback a couple times and got a few hits. He is getting back to 100 percent. Dealing with some of the injuries he has been dealing with, it was nice to get him back out there and see him participate. Hopefully that will continue.”