Safety Snub: Patriots' Rodney Harrison Denied Hall of Fame
Former New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison earned a number of individual and team accolades during his 15-year career on a pro football field. Within that time, he was described as explosive, gritty, controversial and dynamic.
However, his wait to add another significant distinction to an already impressive resume will continue.
Despite being named among 15 finalists for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024, Harrison missed the cut in his 11th year of eligibility, and first as a finalist.
Photo by Streeter Lecka
Harrison’s disappointing Hall snub was yet another misfortune in a year which has seen yielded only disappointment for Patriots Nation. Following their 4-13 finish, the Pats “mutually and amicably” parted ways with former head coach Bill Belichick, while watching the postseason from the outside for the third time in the past four seasons. New England finished last in both the division and conference, while failing to provide even a single Pro Bowl selection.
As for Harrison, though he will not be among this summer’s enshrinees, his resume was certainly deserving of consideration.
Throughout his career, Harrison was one of the most fearsome strong safeties in the NFL. After spending his first nine with the San Diego Chargers, Harrison joined the Patriots in 2003. He was a key component in a Pats defense that won back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 2003 and 2004 (XXXVIII, XXXIX). Perhaps his most memorable moment as a Patriot was his game-sealing interception in Super Bowl XXXIX that ended the last drive of the Philadelphia Eagles. Harrison’s leadership abilities were evident in his being selected as a team captain in each of his six seasons with the Pats.
Harrison was a two-time Pro-Bowler and a two-time First team All-Pro. He holds the distinction of being the first player in NFL history to score touchdowns on an interception return, fumble return and kickoff return in the same season (which he accomplished in 1997 as a member of the Chargers.) As a Patriot, Harrison shined his brightest in the postseason. In the 2004-2005 NFL Playoffs, he had four interceptions in three games. His seven playoff interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown) are a Patriots team record.
On Oct. 21, 2007, Harrison became the initial member of the 30/30 Club of players with both 30 interceptions and 30 sacks (a distinction held only by him and NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis). He finished his career in 2009 with 1,205 tackles, 34 interceptions and 11 forced fumbles. Harrison has the most sacks (30.5) of any defensive back in NFL history.
Upon his retirement, Belichick — who coached Harrison for the entirety of his Patriots tenure — called him “one of the best players” he has ever coached. He was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2019.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 includes Dwight Freeney, Andre Johnson, Randy Grandishar, Patrick Willis, Steve McMichael, Devin Hester and Julius Peppers.
