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Brady HendersonESPN
SEATTLE – The Seattle Seahawks dismissed the veteran defensive attack from Damon “Snacks” Harrison at his request.
The team announced the move on Monday, the day after Harrison was a scratch for Seattle NFC West’s victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
“He decided to stop playing,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said on Monday at 710 ESPN Seattle. “He just played. I talked to him this morning. He’s in a good mood and all that. He’s very grateful for the opportunity to play here, and he did very well with us, but he just … he’s done.”
Made with the Seahawks, at least. Harrison tweeted on Monday that “the plan” is to play for another team this year if he “can work on the logistics of that,” although he added that he is not interested in being claimed for exemptions.
Harrison indicated on Twitter that his decision was related to his role in Seattle, although his tweets and comments from Carroll suggest a friendly breakup.
In a tweet, Harrison thanked the Seahawks and their teammates, writing that he wished it didn’t have to end, but that “it’s time for the two of us to move on.” In another, he wrote that he did not want to take pictures of a young player “who deserves to be out there”. He also asked members of the media to ask him questions about his situation, unlike the players and coaches, who “need to stay focused”.
“What’s next for me? I’m not sure,” Harrison tweeted. “I need to make sure that my family is okay before I do anything. They are my first priority. I would like to continue playing, but with Covid and other logistics it is difficult to pack up and leave immediately. all posted! “
I want to thank my teammates and the Seahawks for allowing me to be a small part of the 2020 season. I wish it didn’t have to end, but it’s time for both of us to move on. All love 12s 💙
– Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) December 28, 2020
What’s next for me? I’m not sure, I have to make sure that my family is okay before I do anything. They are my first priority. I would like to continue playing, but with Covid and other logistics it is difficult to just pack up and leave immediately. I’ll keep you informed!
– Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) December 28, 2020
Before sitting down and trying to take pictures of a young man who deserves to be there playing, I prefer to leave. There are many snakes in the NFL, but I am not one of them ..
– Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) December 28, 2020
Harrison is subject to exemptions. The move leaves the Seahawks with an open spot.
“So, I don’t know what will happen to any other club, but I do know that he has a big family, he has a lot of children, seven children, to corner and look after and it is a very difficult and challenging time,” Carroll told radio station. “He will just try to bring them home and put them safely. It was amazing to have him around. We loved him and we are sorry to see him go, but we have to continue.”
The Seahawks signed Harrison, 32, to their training team on October 7, after he decided to play in 2020. He didn’t make his Seattle debut until November 15 against the Rams. The 1.80 meter, 150-pounder had to return to football form and wait for an opening in Seattle’s defensive rotation, which he did when Bryan Mone injured an ankle.
Harrison, a top team All-Pro in 2016, was credited with nine tackles and a forced fumble in six games with Seattle. He averaged 23 defensive snaps per game, according to the Professional Football Reference, when he played behind holders Jarran Reed and Poona Ford.
The Seahawks activated Mone from the injured reserve on Saturday. He played 26 defensive snaps against the Rams. Before the game, Harrison wished Mone and several other teammates good luck against the Rams via Twitter.
Harrison’s contract with Seattle included a base salary of $ 1.05 million. This was prorated to about $ 370,588 in six games.