Steelers' Former LB James Harrison Offers Ruthless Warning Ahead Of Bout With Chad Ochocinco

Pittsburgh Steelers' legend James Harrison and Chad Ochocinco are gearing up for an MMA fight against one another ahead of Super Bowl LIX . Both competitors had a long tenure in the NFL, seeing each other often during their careers. Ochocinco is a former NFL wide receiver known for his flamboyant personality and impressive skills on the field. He played the majority of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he became one of the league's most dynamic and entertaining players. 

Ochocinco was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and led the AFC in receiving yards in 2006. Aside from his football talent, he gained fame for his extravagant touchdown celebrations and his decision to legally change his last name to "Ochocinco" to reflect his jersey number, 85, in Spanish.

On an Instagram post courtesy of the Shay Shay Media account, Shannon Sharpe and Ochocinco were discussing the upcoming MMA fight. College football coach Deion Sanders commented that he was taking out an insurance policy on Ochocinco, and Harrison saw it necessary to respond, as he sent a strong message in the direction of the retired wide receiver.

"I'm not going to kill him but he might wish he was dead," Harrison wrote.

Beyond football, Ochocinco became a media personality, appearing on reality TV shows like Dancing with the Stars, and maintained an active presence on social media, where he engages with fans. His charisma and self-promotion helped him stay relevant even after his football career ended, cementing his status as a pop culture figure.

Harrison is a former NFL linebacker known for his tenacity, physical style of play, and inspiring rise to football stardom. Harrison spent the majority of his career with the Steelers, where he became one of the most feared defenders in the league. Despite going undrafted in 2002 and facing early career setbacks, Harrison’s perseverance led him to become a five-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time Super Bowl champion, and the NFL's AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.

He is perhaps best remembered for his incredible 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII, one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. Known for his intense work ethic and punishing hits, Harrison was a leader on the field and a cornerstone of the Steelers’ dominant defense during his tenure. 

Even after brief stints with the Bengals and New England Patriots, Harrison’s legacy remains rooted in Pittsburgh, where he retired as one of the most decorated players in the team’s history. His toughness and determination have made him a symbol of grit in the NFL.

The two iconic NFL figures known for their larger-than-life personalities had a memorable moment that added fuel to their competitive rivalry. Despite their mutual respect off the field, their intense battles in the AFC North, particularly when Harrison played for the Steelers and Ochocinco for the Bengals, often led to fiery clashes.

Steelers' Harrison Has Plenty Of History With Ochocinco

One of their most famous encounters happened during a game when Harrison, known for his brutal physicality, delivered a crushing hit on Ochocinco, momentarily knocking the receiver off his feet. The play embodied the hard-hitting nature of their matchups and the fierce rivalry between the two teams. After the game, Ochocinco jokingly tweeted about the hit, stating he “saw light for the first time” after being hit by Harrison, blending humor with the pain he clearly felt.

Despite the physical confrontations, the two developed a mutual admiration for each other as competitors, showing that even in the heat of battle, respect can flourish. After their long tenures in professional football, both are fierce competitors at heart. This has led to Harrison and Ochocinco agreeing to a MMA-style fight, which will take place in New Orleans before this season's Super Bowl.