Add Malik Harrison to the growing list of players to play on both sides of the Steelers vs. Ravens rivalry.
The Steelers signed Harrison to a two-year, $10-million contract after five years of playing linebacker in Baltimore. The first person he reached out to after agreeing to terms: Patrick Queen, who traded black and purple for black and gold last offseason.
"I was happy for Queen," Harrison said Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "We came in together. That's my brother. I was just happy for him, getting what he deserves. I never said he was a traitor or anything. That's my guy."
Harrison joins the Steelers' defense that desires to play better against the run. When Harrison is on the field, that's his speciality. He's often been a depth piece, but supplanted Trenton Simpson midway through last season, and wound up playing a career-high 382 defensive snaps and recorded 54 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for a loss.
Harrison's a downhill thumper that is eager to join the style of defense the Steelers play.
"Everybody's aggressive," Harrison said. "I think I fit in with that, the way that I play."
Replacing Elandon Roberts won't be easy. He became a fan-favorite for laying wood all over the field. But, Harrison's more versatile than Roberts. He can play any of the inside linebacker spots, fill in on the edge and be a key contributor on special teams.
"Special teams, that's always been my heart," Harrison said. "That's where I started off, even at Ohio State. If you don't play special teams, you're not going to play at all. I take pride in special teams. I'll be back and doing that again."
Last season, Harrison finished second on the Ravens with eight special teams tackles.
It'll be trial by fire for Harrison, getting used to playing on the Steelers' side of the rivalry. He'll have Queen and Deshon Elliott to lean on, but he understands how important those two games are every season.
"Being on the other side, during that week, it was just different," Harrison said. "Over here, it's going to be even more different, just because I don't know what it is. But I'm sure it's just like the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. ... The five years I was there, I had a great time. But, I'm turning a new chapter. I'm with the Steelers."
For Harrison's full press conference on the South Side ...
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
7:08 pm - 03.13.2025South SideHarrison excited to reunite with Queen
Add Malik Harrison to the growing list of players to play on both sides of the Steelers vs. Ravens rivalry.
The Steelers signed Harrison to a two-year, $10-million contract after five years of playing linebacker in Baltimore. The first person he reached out to after agreeing to terms: Patrick Queen, who traded black and purple for black and gold last offseason.
"I was happy for Queen," Harrison said Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "We came in together. That's my brother. I was just happy for him, getting what he deserves. I never said he was a traitor or anything. That's my guy."
Harrison joins the Steelers' defense that desires to play better against the run. When Harrison is on the field, that's his speciality. He's often been a depth piece, but supplanted Trenton Simpson midway through last season, and wound up playing a career-high 382 defensive snaps and recorded 54 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for a loss.
Harrison's a downhill thumper that is eager to join the style of defense the Steelers play.
"Everybody's aggressive," Harrison said. "I think I fit in with that, the way that I play."
Replacing Elandon Roberts won't be easy. He became a fan-favorite for laying wood all over the field. But, Harrison's more versatile than Roberts. He can play any of the inside linebacker spots, fill in on the edge and be a key contributor on special teams.
"Special teams, that's always been my heart," Harrison said. "That's where I started off, even at Ohio State. If you don't play special teams, you're not going to play at all. I take pride in special teams. I'll be back and doing that again."
Last season, Harrison finished second on the Ravens with eight special teams tackles.
It'll be trial by fire for Harrison, getting used to playing on the Steelers' side of the rivalry. He'll have Queen and Deshon Elliott to lean on, but he understands how important those two games are every season.
"Being on the other side, during that week, it was just different," Harrison said. "Over here, it's going to be even more different, just because I don't know what it is. But I'm sure it's just like the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. ... The five years I was there, I had a great time. But, I'm turning a new chapter. I'm with the Steelers."
For Harrison's full press conference on the South Side ...
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
We’d love to have you!