Cleveland Browns Fan Reveals How Steelers Legend James Harrison Saved His Life [VIDEO]

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has been credited with turning a fan’s life around.

Harrison is, of course, an example of how far perseverance can take someone. The 47-year-old was undrafted, yet he left the game with two Super Bowls and five Pro Bowl call-ups. He is also a two-time All-Pro and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.

Sometimes you inspire by example. On rare occasions, you inspire by body slamming someone into the ground.

We reckon it’s both when it comes to Harrison.

Potentially a future Hall of Famer, Harrison did his part when he sent the ground rushing toward a fan who rushed the field in 2005. The moment will live long in the memory and, ironically enough, they reunited right after DK Metcalf appeared to punch a fan in the stands.

Nathan Mallett, a Cleveland Browns fan, decided to get onto the field while his team was getting blown out by Pittsburgh.

The Browns were losing 41-0 in the fourth quarter. Mallett, who had been drinking and partying as he celebrated his birthday the night before, thought he should sack Ben Roethlisberger because the Cleveland defense refused to touch the Steelers quarterback.

Nathan Mallett Thanks James Harrison For Saving His Life

While every fan probably imagines sacking an opposing QB during a frustrating game, they never actually try. Mallet, though, wasn’t like most fans.

He hopped onto the field, rushed past security and a few players, but he did not get the better of Harrison. The former LB picked him up with minimal effort and suplexed him to the ground.

“Before I knew it, I was staring up at James Harrison,” he recalled.

Mallett was later jailed and faced minor charges, spending the Super Bowl weekend in custody. Harrison and the Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10.

Things would get worse for Mallett. His drinking problem cost him multiple jobs and got him into more problems with the law, earning him a 60-day prison term four years later. It’s when he decided to turn his life around.

He’s now 16 years sober, runs his own painting business, is married, and has a kid.

Steelers' James Harrison REUNITES with Browns fan he tackled 20 years ago pic.twitter.com/BvMi6zghUm

— Post-Gazette Sports (@PGSportsNow) December 24, 2025

“I’m pretty pumped that we were able to do this,” he told Harrison when they met up for dinner. “I just want to say thank you, because I think you slammed some sense into me.”

While he didn’t sober up right away, it appears Harrison’s hit began a process that would turn Mallet’s life around.

Metcalf’s situation was very different, and he’s probably facing a lawsuit.

The Lions fan he struck held a press conference on Friday detailing the incident.