History of Rodney Harrison in Timeline

Rodney Harrison is a former NFL safety who played 15 seasons for the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots. Drafted by the Chargers in 1994, he played nine seasons with them before joining the Patriots for his final six seasons. After retiring in 2009, he became a commentator for NBC's Football Night in America. Harrison was known for his aggressive playing style and impactful contributions to both teams he played for.

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Full Timeline

December 15, 1972: Rodney Harrison Born

On December 15, 1972, Rodney Scott Harrison was born. He would later become a professional football safety.

Others born on this day/year

1991: College Football at Western Illinois University

In 1991, Rodney Harrison began his college football career at Western Illinois University.

1991: Graduated from High School

In 1991, Rodney Harrison graduated from Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

1993: Suspension and NFL Draft Entry

In 1993, Rodney Harrison was suspended from the Western Illinois University football team and subsequently chose to enter the NFL draft.

1994: Drafted by San Diego Chargers

In 1994, Rodney Harrison was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round.

1996: Became a Starting Member of the Chargers' Defense

In 1996, Rodney Harrison became a starting member of the San Diego Chargers' defense.

1998: Pro Bowl Selection

In 1998, Rodney Harrison was selected to his first Pro Bowl with the San Diego Chargers.

2000: Career Highs with Chargers

In 2000, while playing for the San Diego Chargers, Rodney Harrison achieved then-career highs with 127 tackles and six interceptions.

2001: Second Pro Bowl with Chargers

In 2001, Rodney Harrison earned his second Pro Bowl selection as a member of the San Diego Chargers.

2002: Suspension and Fines

As of 2002, Rodney Harrison had accumulated over $200,000 in fines by the NFL, including a notable suspension after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Jerry Rice.

2002: Final Season with Chargers

In 2002, Rodney Harrison started 13 games and recorded 88 tackles in his final season with the San Diego Chargers.

February 27, 2003: Released by the Chargers

On February 27, 2003, Rodney Harrison was released by the San Diego Chargers after playing with the team for nine seasons.

2003: All-Pro Team Selection

Following the 2003 season, Rodney Harrison was named to the Associated Press' All-Pro team after achieving 140 tackles and three sacks.

2003: Named Defensive Captain for Patriots

Prior to the 2003 season, Rodney Harrison was named a defensive captain in his first year with the New England Patriots.

January 10, 2004: Interception against the Tennessee Titans

On January 10, 2004, during the divisional playoff game against the Tennessee Titans, Rodney Harrison intercepted a pass from Steve McNair, setting up a touchdown that contributed to the New England Patriots' 17-14 victory.

February 2004: HGH Shipment Before Super Bowl XXXVIII

According to federal agents, Rodney Harrison received a shipment of HGH, with his name on it, just days before Super Bowl XXXVIII in February 2004.

2004: Key Performance in 2004 Season

During the 2004 season, Rodney Harrison played a key role in helping New England's defense finish second in the NFL in scoring, leading all defensive backs with 138 tackles.

2004: "Dirtiest Player" Poll

In 2004, Rodney Harrison was voted the "dirtiest player" in the NFL by his peers, according to a poll conducted by Sports Illustrated.

2005: Season-Ending Injury

In 2005, Rodney Harrison's season ended early on September 25, after sustaining a severe knee injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He tore multiple ligaments.

March 2006: Marian Catholic High School Retired Jersey

In March 2006, Marian Catholic High School retired Rodney Harrison's No. 37 jersey, despite the fact he never actually wore it in high school.

August 7, 2006: Return to Patriots Practice

On August 7, 2006, Rodney Harrison returned to Patriots' practice for the first time after recovering from his season-ending injury the previous year.

2006: Topped "Dirtiest Player" Voting Again

In 2006, Rodney Harrison once again topped the "dirtiest player" voting by 361 other NFL players.

2007: Suspension for HGH Use

In 2007, Rodney Harrison was suspended for the first four games of the regular season for admitting to using human growth hormone (HGH).

2007: Involved in the "Helmet Catch" Play

In the 2007 Super Bowl XLII, Rodney Harrison was the player over whom David Tyree made his famous "Helmet Catch", helping the New York Giants defeat the Patriots and preventing a perfect season. Harrison was attempting to tackle Tyree and dislodge the ball, but was unsuccessful.

2008: Awarded "Dirtiest Player" Title by Coaches

In 2008, NFL coaches awarded the title of "dirtiest player" to Rodney Harrison in an anonymous poll conducted by ESPN.

2008: Season-Ending Injury

In 2008, during an October 20 game against the Denver Broncos, Rodney Harrison's season ended early due to a torn right quadriceps femoris muscle.

June 3, 2009: Retirement Announcement and Analyst Role

On June 3, 2009, Rodney Harrison announced his retirement from professional football and transitioned into a role as an analyst for NBC Sports' Football Night in America.