While competing on the Comet Football squad, Harrison helped lead the Comets to a 25-5 record which included a 15-12 victory over archrival Manchester, ending their undefeated season. An outstanding two way performer for the Comets, James rushed for over 1,000 yards during his junior and senior seasons. James continued his playing career at Kent State University where, in addition to his exploits on the gridiron, James made the Dean’s List in 2000 with a 3.4 GPA. While at Kent State, James was named the outstanding defensive player after the 2000 and 2001 seasons. He was also an All MAC selection during his college playing career. After Kent, Harrison went on to become a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 2007 was quite impressive an impressive season for James individually. He was selected by his teammates as their Defensive MVP. He was also elected by his peers to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl game in Honolulu, Hawaii, which as of 2010, he has been to three of. James was also an Associated Press 1st Team All-Pro selection following the 2007 season. In 2008 Harrison recorded 10 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss and a forced fumble during a Monday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens. In 2009 Harrison was named the AP NFL National Defensive Player of the year. He became the first undrafted player to win this award. His year ended with arguably one of the most memorable Super Bowl highlights in recent history; during Super Bowl XLIII, Harrison intercepted a pass from Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner at the goal line and ran back the length of the field for a 100-yard touchdown at the end of the first half. It was the longest play in Super Bowl history and helped the Steelers defeat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23.