160. Rodney Harrison

Splitting his career between the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots, Rodney Harrison has a lot of labels attached to him. Statistically, Harrison is the first man ever to have 30 Sacks and 30 Interceptions, an impressive defensive feat that quantified his versatility on the gridiron. He has two Pro Bowls and two Super Bowl Rings for the Pats, where he was one of their defensive leaders. However, Harrison has also been labeled one of the dirtiest players ever to play the game, and he is also remembered for being the player who David Tyree made the spectacular catch for the Giants that propelled them to the Super Bowl win over New England (which New York fans will always point out). Harrison made only two bowls, but the master of the safety blitz was one of the best at stopping the run among defensive backs, and his cover work improved over time. He is also gaining Hall of Fame momentum, becoming a Finalist for the first time in 2024.

Should Rodney Harrison be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely, put him in! - 33.3%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 33.3%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 33.3%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Markham, Illinois, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Monday, 01 January 2024
Position: Strong Safety
Games Played: 186
Notable Statistics: 186 Games Started
34 Interceptions
361 Interception Return Yards
2 Interception Return Touchdowns
78 Passes Defended**
18 Forced Fumbles*
9 Fumble Recoveries
20 Fumble Recovery Yards
30.5 Quarterback Sacks
1,206 Combined Tackles
920 Solo Tackles
286 Assisted Tackles
40 Tackles for Loss**
10 Quarterback Hits***
87 Approximate Value

13 Playoff Games
9 Playoff Games Started
7 Interceptions
118 Interception Return Yards
1 Interception Return Touchdown
5 Passes Defended*
2 Forced Fumbles
2.0 Quarterback Sacks
78 Combined Tackles
58 Solo Tackles
17 Assisted Tackles
3 Tackles for Loss*
2 Quarterback Hits**

*Forced Fumbles were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1978 to 1998
**Tackles for Loss and Passes Defended became a statistic in 1999
***Quarterback Hits became a statistic in 2006
Played For: New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers
College: Western Illinois
Drafted: 5th Round, 195th Overall in 1994
Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (2) (New England Patriots, Super Bowl XXXVIII & XXXIX)
First Team All-Pro Selection (2) (1998 & 2003)
Second Team All-Pro Selection (2) (2001 & 2004)
Pro Bowl Selection (4) (1998, 2001, 2003 & 2004)
Other Points of Note:
Top Ten Defensive Player of the Year Finishes:
4th in 2003

Top Ten Finishes: Interceptions (1) (2000)
Notable All Time Rankings: None
Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: Finalist: 2024

Semi-Finalist: 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026