New England Patriots: Top 5 NFL careers Bill Belichick resurrected
No. 2 Rodney Harrison
A major part of the New England Patriots back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 2003 and 2004 was a player Bill Belichick signed in free agency by the name of Rodney Harrison.
Known for his punishing hits, the veteran safety injected some attitude and toughness in a veteran defense that was already very good.
After playing nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers, Harrison was signed in hopes of forming a great safety duo with Lawyer Milloy. As it turned out, Harrison was really his replacement as Belichick waved Milloy just days prior to the 2003 NFL season.
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Rodney Harrison gave the New England Patriots physicality and leadership
A move many felt would divide the locker room actually turned out to be a good move by Belichick as Harrison not only helped the defense get better on the field but became a vocal leader in the locker room.
Inducted in the Patriots Hall of Fame, Harrison thanked fans for voting him in and for being a part of his comeback story that almost saw him win a third Super Bowl in 2007 as part of that 16-0 regular season team.
"“I’m very grateful for the fans,” Harrison said. “The fact that the fans voted me in, it means more to me than say the Pro Football Hall of Fame because the fans got a chance to see me play every week. They got a chance to see the story and see the injuries and the adversity and the comeback and the plays that were made and the passion that was shown. They’re not going by reputation or rumors or anything like that, so it really meant a lot to me.”"
Labeling Rodney Harrison “one of the best players” he has ever coached says a lot about the player and his professionalism. With a total of 15 interceptions during his six seasons with the Patriots, the bruising safety also proved to be the right move at the right time both for himself and the team.
In hindsight, Harrison joining the Patriots helped resurrect his reputation as the NFL’s “dirtiest player.” Well, perhaps he still was viewed that way by the rest of the league.