Steelers Linebacker Returns Kids Participation Trophies

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison came into the NFL the hard way. He was an undrafted free agent who got cut three times by the Steelers, once by the Baltimore Ravens and played in NFL Europe gain the experienced he needed to become a standout.

He was named NFL Defensive MVP for the 2008 season and ran an interception back 99 yards for a critical touchdown at the end of the first half of the Steelers’ Super Bowl victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

So let’s be clear: Harrison knows what it takes to make his way in a vicious world and the value of symbols emblematic of success.

Over the weekend, Harrison learned that his two sons had received trophies … simply for being in the activities. Not for excelling, but for showing up. And here is what Harrison posted 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.”

(You can read the post and see the photos HERE.)

Harrison believes trophies go to the winners and are inducements to winning. He knows that even superb effort may not be enough sometimes, but that failure or disappointment can inspire a person to further heights. Many educators and psychologists agree that the endless salving of children’s egos by rewarding nothing only makes them softer while negating the value of the work and positive ends that others reach.

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Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .