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Tom Brady: Rodney Harrison Should Be in Hall of Fame: 'F--king Mean Out There' in NFL

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVApril 14, 2024

CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 05: Commentator Rodney Harrison stands on the sidelines during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
Jeff Dean/Getty Images

Rodney Harrison was a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro selection during his 15-year NFL career, most famously winning two Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots.

He was regarded as one of the most physical, hard-hitting safeties in his day, and his most prominent former teammate, Tom Brady, believes he remains criminally underrated.

"To me, one of the greatest football players the league has ever seen and doesn't get the recognition," Brady said on the DeepCut with VicBlends podcast (h/t ESPN's Mike Reiss). "He should be in the Hall of Fame. He was as good a competitor, defensive player—smart, tough, physical, f--king mean out there on the field. I loved it, and I loved playing with him."

Harrison has been a semifinalist on the Hall of Fame ballot three times and was a finalist on the 2024 ballot but didn't make the cut. The 2024 class was comprised of Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers, Patrick Willis, Randy Gradishar and Steve McMichael.

Harrison is probably a long shot at this point for induction, though having a public vote of support from a future Hall of Famer like Brady certainly counts for something.