James Harrison announces his return to Steelers on Twitter

James Harrison tweeted just three days ago: “Retirement is good!”

But that was a day before his longtime team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, lost two starting linebackers in one game.

Suddenly his Twitter feed took a different tone. On Monday night he tweeted, “I’ll give it one more year,” followed by “Done deal!” on Tuesday morning, along with an Instagram photo of the 2008 defensive player of the year signing a contract.

And just like that, Harrison is a member of the Steelers again.

Harrison was a key part of Pittsburgh’s success over the last decade. He and fellow outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley were a fearsome duo, each racking up double-digit sacks in three straight seasons from 2008-10 and helping the Steelers advance to the Super Bowl twice, winning one, during that period.

But Harrison left the team in 2012 when the two sides weren’t able to agree on a contract extension. After a lackluster season in Cincinnati last year, Harrison decided to call it quits and retired with much fanfare as a Steeler earlier this month.

Then came Sunday night’s game against Carolina. Outside linebacker Jarvis Jones injured a wrist and was placed on injured return/designated to return, meaning he will miss at least eight games. In addition, inside linebacker Ryan Shazier is expected to miss some time with a sprained MCL, leaving the Steelers dangerously thin at the position.

All of which led to the return of the five-time Pro Bowl player. Hard to tell what the team will get from a 36-year-old Harrison entering his 12th NFL season, but Steelers fans have got to be hoping it will look something like this.

Twitter: @chewkiii