Ex-Titans OL Taylor Lewan recalls regretful moment vs. Steelers' James Harrison

USA Today

13 hours ago

When players retire from the NFL, they often talk about other players or matchups that left an imprint on their careers, or when together in a group they talk about specific players who challenged them, or had an intimidating reputation.
One player that often comes up in conversations is Pittsburgh Steelers edge James Harrison. Harrison was not only intimidating, but his performances could be scary. The undrafted rookie's rise to become one of the most dominant players in league history is well-documented, and those who faced him in his prime will never forget their battles.
That includes former Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, who got to meet the freight train early in his career and talked about the experience on the Bussin' with the Boys podcast.
'I played him my rookie year on Monday Night Football.' Lewan said on the podcast Bussin' with the Boys. 'Before the game started, all the offensive line were like, 'Hey, we know you like to chatter a little bit. Don't talk to this guy. Don't say a word to him. Just leave him alone. Hopefully he stays asleep during the game.' But it's like Monday Night Football. I'm hyped up. I'm juiced up.
'I'm ready to make a name for myself. So, three plays into the game, something happens. I'm like, 'I'm here all day,' whatever dumbass comment I make. 'I'm here all fucking day.' And he doesn't say a word to me.'
Even though Lewan was facing an older Harrison, what transpired that night left a lasting impression on the young offensive tackle. Harrison did not let the trash-talking just disappear into the night.
'Then, like he kind of lines up in a four (technique), and I'm like, 'I'm about to cut off this dude so fast.' And I go to cut him off, I go to put an arm up. He drops down to the ground and just grabs my ankle and starts gator rolling. Starts gator rolling me. And right then and there, I thought, 'Okay, yeah, it might be over for me.' It might be over for this conversation the rest of the game."
That game during Week 11 of the 2014 season struck a chord with Lewan, who went on to have a successful career with the Titans, earning three Pro Bowl selections before retiring in 2022.