Detroit Lions' Damon Harrison hurting and considering retirement

Carlos Monarrez | Detroit Free Press

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison fought through tears in the locker room after Sunday’s season finale and said he is considering retirement and might have played his last NFL game.

“I mean, at this point everything is on the table,” he said after a 23-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers. “Obviously it wasn’t the type of year that I’m used to having and that I wanted to have. It’s been tough.”

Harrison, 31, said surgery is a possibility but wouldn’t discuss specifics. He has dealt with several injuries throughout the season, including knee, calf and groin problems.

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When the Lions acquired him via trade with the New York Giants last season, Harrison was a marvel as a run-stopper and instantly transformed the Lions’ defense. This season, he was much less effective, as was the entire defense.

“It’s been tough. I fought through some injuries all year and wasn’t able to — sorry,” he said as he paused to wipe away tears, “wasn’t able to ever get back to the form that I’m used to.

“And I got too much pride, man. I’ve been doing this too long. So if I can’t be the player that I’m used to being, I think my teammates deserve better, my family deserves better … I never cheated the game a day of my life, man.”

Harrison, an All-Pro in 2016, is due to make $8.5 million in base salary in 2020, with $3.5 million guaranteed for injury. In August, the Lions signed him to a one-year contract extension that gave him about a $2 million raise this season and includes a team option for 2021.

He said the hardest part was reconciling his mental willingness with his physical condition.

“Because my mind’s still telling me I can do it,” he said, “but my body’s just not good.”

Harrison will consult with his family and consider his options before making his final decision.

“But if I do walk away, I’m not ashamed,” he said. “I don’t feel bad because I gave it everything I had, even when it wasn’t good enough.”

Contact Carlos Monarrez at cmonarrez@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez.