James Harrison's departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers has ruffled quite a few feathers, particularly among his former teammates.

During an appearance on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" on Friday, Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward likened Harrison signing with the New England Patriots to Hulk Hogan turning heel in 1996 and joining the New World Order.

"It was definitely a heel-turn move," Heyward said. "It's almost like Hulk Hogan when he went to the NWO, nobody's happy about that. But it's his decision. It just means he won't be in the ring with us."

Related - Steelers' Pouncey, teammates blast Harrison: 'He erased his own legacy'

Harrison revealed Wednesday that he asked for his release from the Steelers on three separate occasions before he was eventually let go. He's expected to make his Patriots debut Sunday against the New York Jets.