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LB James Harrison returning to Steelers for 12th season with 2-year deal

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Sunday that the team has signed linebacker James Harrison to a two-year contract.

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Harrison, 36, will enter his 13th season in the National Football League and his 12th in Pittsburgh in 2015.

Having originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2002, Harrison has appeared in 157 regular season games, with 108 starts.

Prior to the 2014 season, Harrison announced his retirement, which was short-lived -- lasting 18 days.

Upon his return to the game, Harrison made 45 tackles and 5.5 sacks for the Steelers in 11 games of the 2014 regular season. In the postseason, he had two tackles.

Other accomplishments Harrison has achieved with the Steelers include five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2007-11 and two Super Bowl championships. With 17 multi-sack games, he is tied for first in team history. He ranks second with 69.5 sacks.

Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise, said his client faced a tough decision.

“It was an emotional decision because of Dick LeBeau and Tennessee. And because of James’ loyalty to the Steelers, his loyalty to the Rooneys, his loyalty to the coaches and his loyalty to the city,” Parise said.

On Saturday, Harrison took to Instagram, posting a video in which he asked his children, Pittsburgh or Tennessee?

“The opinions of my support team are split, but for me, my love for the man who both started, and made my career what it is, is undeniable. There are no words that I can find that would do justice for everything Dick LeBeau has done for me & my career and nothing can compare to that! I also have a great amount of love for Steelers Nation & the Steelers organization. I'm going to pray on this and let God guide me in the right direction,” the text of the post stated.

On Sunday, Harrison returned to Instagram with a photo of him signing his new two-year deal, the financial terms of which have not been disclosed.

“James is a Pittsburgh Steeler. The town loves him and he loves the town,” Parise said.

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