Two-time Super Bowl-winning linebacker James Harrison of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers is becoming something of a cause celebre on Facebook.
Not for his abilities on the football field, but because of his parenting; Harrison is taking a stand against kids getting trophies for "participation."
The 37-year-old recently revealed on Instagram that he will be returning his two sons' awards (if you can call them that) until they earn "real" ones.
Harrison wrote alongside a photo of the trophies in question:
I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies!
While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy.
I'm sorry I'm not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned and I'm not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best...
'Cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better... not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut u up and keep you happy.
#harrisonfamilyvalues
This caught the attention of more than a few sports fans - not to mention parents - out there as a broader critique on society at large.
Does everyone deserve a trophy just for trying? Does making kids feel good mean they're being coddled? It's an interesting debate.
Parenting styles aside, Harrison was a walk-on at Kent State University who was not drafted into the NFL, first playing professionally in Europe.
Back in the U.S., he was cut in his first NFL stint by the Ravens before signing with the Steelers and becoming a force on defense.
One can certainly see from his background why he embraces this mentality; he's battling for a starting spot in training camp right now.
Asked about the trophies while walking off the field yesterday, Harrison said, "they've already gone back," then went to sign autographs.
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