James Harrison Making A Statement About Kids’ Participation Trophies (Photo)

James Harrison has no time for participation trophies. Even when they involve his own kids.

The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker’s two boys recently brought home student-athlete participation trophies, and Harrison immediately decided to send them back. He explained the decision on Instagram.

I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies! While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy. I'm sorry I'm not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned and I'm not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best...cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better...not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut u up and keep you happy. #harrisonfamilyvalues

A photo posted by James Harrison (@jhharrison92) on Aug 15, 2015 at 10:09am PDT

While participation trophies aren’t a good idea for high school and middle school kids, there’s really no harm in giving them to elementary school-aged children. At that age, it’s about having fun and trying hard — there are no playoffs or MVP awards in youth leagues. Most kids are able to tell the difference between trophies given for just showing up and ones awarded for a real individual or team honor. They know which teams won and lost.

In Harrison’s case, it seems his main goal is to encourage his kids to work hard and consistently improve in everything they do. You can’t find fault in that.

Thumbnail photo via Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports Images