James Harrison Gave Chris Boswell an Interesting Welcome to Steelers
Upon arriving in 2015, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was greeted by James Harrison in a personal way.
Chris Boswell has been one of the NFL’s most consistent kickers in the league since he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. Upon his arrival in 2015, former outside linebacker James Harrison gave a not-so-warm welcome in 2015.
Boswell joined the Christian Kuntz Podcast and described the early days as a Steeler. After the Steelers were going through multiple kickers through the 2015 preseason and regular seasons, Boswell got his opportunity after Josh Scobee missed two crucial kicks against the Baltimore Ravens.
Boswell was rushed into action and was greeted in practice by “Deebo.” Instead of handshakes and formality in his first practice, Harrison stood over the holder during kicking drills, stared at Boswell, and said, “I dare you to miss this kick. I dare you to miss … miss this kick [and] you’re washing my back in the shower.”
In his first year with the Steelers, Boswell kicked with excellence as he made 26 of 27 attempts; eventually kicking the game winner in a thrilling wildcard victory that postseason. Even though he began to establish as the kicker in Pittsburgh, Harrison made sure to keep Bos on his heels.
“Even after I obviously had a decent season that year … [in] the team meeting room … [Harrison] would just stare at me like this the entire time … terrifying.” Boswell said.
If you’re an analytics guru, maybe you could say these intimidation tactics worked. Boswell has been a reliable kicker for the Steelers ever since his 2015 debut. He currently possesses an 88% accuracy rate including his record setting 2024 season.
Boswell also discussed other topics on the podcast including the rough stretch in 2018. It’s always interesting to hear stories like this and it adds to the rich lore that is of James Harrison during his time in Pittsburgh.
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