Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy was peculiarly dismissive when he was compared to retired safety Rodney Harrison in a Wednesday interview.

“Don’t compare me to him, man,” Van Noy said Wednesday on the Boston-based “Zolak & Bertrand” radio show. “I have nothing against him, I just don’t want to be compared, definitely not to him.”

It made for an awkward moment on the show. Van Noy’s tone belied his claim of not having anything against Harrison, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots before retiring in 2009.

Matters escalated on Wednesday evening when Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio responded to Van Noy’s interview on Twitter, posting: “Hey Kyle you should get on your knees every night and pray that you will become half the man Rodney Harrison is.”

Van Noy fired right back: “Dear Mike, I’m pretty happy with the man I am and tonight I’ll pray for you instead! #blessed.”

Florio appears on NBC’s “Football Night in America” with analyst Harrison.

The linebacker, who has also won two Super Bowls with the Patriots since being traded to New England from the Lions in 2016, later clarified his remarks, saying he has “nothing but respect” for Harrison.

Harrison, known for his physical aggression during his 15-year NFL career, racked up over $200,000 in fines from the league and multiple suspensions. Longtime Patriots coach Bill Belichick has called Harrison one of the best players he has ever coached.