James Harrison Has Little To Say — Especially About Steelers — Ahead Of Patriots Debut

FOXBORO, Mass. — Bill Belichick didn’t have much to say about James Harrison on Thursday. Harrison had even less to say about himself one day later in his first meeting with the New England media.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker was extremely tight-lipped as he addressed reporters in front of his locker, fielding 15 questions in less than two minutes about his messy departure from Pittsburgh and his decision to sign with the Patriots this week.

Here is a full transcript:

Is there anything you’d like to add to what you wrote on Instagram and what you told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette?
“That’s it.”

What motivates you to keep playing as a 39-year-old?
“I like to compete.”

Do you anticipate having a role in Sunday’s game against the New York Jets?
“I’m going to go out whenever the coach puts me out there.”

Did you consider signing anywhere else?
“There was no other offers.”

Do you hope to get a lot of playing time?
“Hopefully.”

What have the last 72 hours been like for you?
“Different.”

How much to do you feel like you have left in the tank? Could you play every snap if they asked you to?
“I’ll go out there whenever they ask.”

What’s it been like being in the Patriots’ meeting rooms?
“Just a little different. You’ve got to learn a new scheme.”

Does it hurt you to hear what some of your former teammates have said about you?
“Next question.”

What’s it been like working with the Patriots’ defensive leaders, like Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon?
“They’ve been very helpful, trying to (help me) learn the differences in the schemes.”

Has it been overwhelming at all trying to learn the playbook?
“A little bit.”

What’s been the biggest surprise for you?
“No surprises.”

It looked like you were giving rookie Derek Rivers some tips yesterday. Do you enjoy helping younger players?
“What am I going to teach him? I don’t even know the playbook?”

How did you get No. 92 from Geneo Grissom?
“That’s between me and him.”

Does that number mean a lot to you?
“Good.”

Harrison finished his brief media session by saying: “We have no Jets questions, huh? All right, see you later.”