Steelers great James Harrison has MMA bout set with former divisional foe

Mike Moraitis

•
Steelers great James Harrison has MMA bout set with former divisional foe image

On the list of things no human being should do, fighting Pittsburgh Steelers great James Harrison is at the top of the list. However, apparently fellow former NFL player Chad Johnson apparently didn't get the memo.

Johnson took to X on Wednesday to reveal that he's going to take on Harrison in an MMA fight before Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, which takes place on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025.

Johnson did not reveal the exact date and time, nor the venue, but he did say that the two former NFL players will go at it in the exhibition contest.

"I’m fighting James Harrison in a exhibition MMA format 3 round bout in New Orleans before Super Bowl, I’m so excited," Johnson tweeted.

Just a hunch, but I don't think he's that excited. I also don't think it's going to last that many rounds.

Harrison has since confirmed it will actually be five rounds, not three, and the two former divisional foes shared some trash talk back and forth.

Harrison spent 15 seasons in the NFL, playing almost exclusively for the Steelers, where he won two Super Bowls. He did have a brief stint with the New England Patriots in the last season of his career, and played one season with the Bengals. Harrison and Johnson weren't teammates, in Cincy, though.

During his career, Harrison was one of the most intimidating players in the NFL. He had a stare that could burn a hole through you, on top of his massive physique that could lay anyone out on a football field. If anyone knows a thing or two about facing Harrison, it's Johnson, who played in the same division as the Steelers great.

Harrison stood at 6-foot and 242 pounds during his playing days and was always in phenomenal shape. He attended Steelers training camp and looked like he could still take the field at any given second.

I mean, just look at this dude.

Meanwhile, Johnson only registered at 188 pounds during his playing days, so there will be a huge discrepancy in weight between the two.

Johnson may want to rethink this idea for his own well-being. Chances are it isn't going to end well for him.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.