Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison was having none of it when he discovered that his two sons had received participation trophies for playing sports at school.
Harrison posted an image of the trophies via Instagram and had the following to say:
I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies! While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy. I’m sorry I’m not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned and I’m not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best…cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better…not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut u up and keep you happy. #harrisonfamilyvalues
Harrison’s response has drawn a lot of support via social media.
An ESPN report on Harrison’s hard-earned place in the NFL might help you make sense of why he feels so strongly about this. Harrison was a walk-on player at Kent State, was undrafted after finishing school, played a season in the now-defunct purgatory that was NFL Europe, and was cut by the Baltimore Ravens before becoming a five-time Pro Bowl selection as a standout defensive player for the Steelers.
After practice Sunday he told a reporter that he’s already returned his sons’ trophies. As he signed autographs, a fan shouted, “I appreciate what you’re teaching your sons.”
