Thank you Rodney Harrison

From Writer Keith

We just got news this morning that Patriots safety Rodney Harrison will be retiring today to continue his career as an analyst on NBC to add to their pre-game team that now includes Tiki Barber, Salem barber Dick Simard, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Paul Lynde, Carrot Top, Charles Nelson Reilly, Dick Butkus, Merlin Olson, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson, and Orko from the “He-Man” series.

Harrison, #37, goes in for a big hit.

As a lifelong Patriots fan I have a few simple words. Thank you, Rodney Harrison. Sure, lots of people thought you may have been a “dirty player” every time you hit some wide receiver out of his shoes. They were just jealous. It’s like you were the basketball equivalent of Danny Ainge.

Everyone hated him unless he was on your team. I’d rather have 52 players with Harrison’s heart than some of these primadonnas. It’s like one sports radio person said: Would you rather have one T.O. or 2 Wes Welker’s? Personally, I’d rather have the guy who will give his all than the guy who cares about himself.

And that is Rodney Harrison. He won a Super Bowl in 2003 and 2004. His first Super Bowl win, he broke his arm and returned to the field to see the last plays. Trainers begged him to stay off of the field, but to heck with that: Rodney would be on the field.

Did he hit a little bit hard in certain situations? Sure he did. But what would you rather have … a safety that pulled back or a guy that would knock the numbers off of someone?

So thank you Rodney Harrison. You’ve helped the most dominant stand in Boston sports history.