PITTSBURGH — In an unexpected reunion, James Harrison, the former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a long-time Cleveland Browns fan, Nathan Mallett, met after nearly two decades since their infamous encounter on the field. Mallett, who stormed the field during a game in 2005, attributes that moment to his transformation and 16 years of sobriety.
On a recent evening at Napa Prime Chophouse & Cigar Bar in Marshall, Mallett and Harrison shared laughs and memories, a stark contrast to their first meeting in front of 73,136 fans on Christmas Eve 2005. That day ended with Mallett in jail, marking a pivotal point in his life.
Mallett”s journey as a Browns fan began in 1993, sparked by a thrilling game where Eric Metcalf scored two touchdowns against the Steelers. He recalled, “I still remember watching that game with my grandpa. I was hooked.” Over the years, he attended numerous games, reveling in the rivalry, especially when the Steelers came to town.
On that fateful Christmas Eve, Mallett and friends celebrated his birthday with excessive drinking before the game. The Steelers dominated the Browns, leading 41-0 when Mallett decided to make a name for himself by running onto the field. Ignoring warnings from friends and security, he jumped the fence and sprinted towards mid-field, targeting Steelers backup running back Verron Haynes.
However, it was Harrison who intercepted Mallett, executing a memorable suplex that would go down in history. Mallett found himself on the ground, held down by Harrison until police arrived to take him away. “It was an opportunity I couldn”t miss,” Harrison later remarked with a smile.
After the incident, Mallett”s life took a turn. He faced charges for criminal trespassing, which included probation, community service, and mandatory Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. His Super Bowl weekend was spent in jail, isolated from the outside world. Despite the seriousness of the situation, friends recalled the incident with humor, dubbing him a local legend.
However, Mallett”s path to sobriety truly began after a bar fight led to a 60-day jail sentence in 2009. Reflecting on that time, he realized he needed to change. “I felt like a caged animal,” he admitted. While incarcerated, he engaged in Moral Recreational Therapy, outlining personal goals for his future.
Today, Mallett lives in Smithville, Ohio, with his wife, Camille, and their son, Lincoln. Mallett”s commitment to sobriety has fostered a stable family life, and he has pursued a career as a self-employed painter. His journey has inspired others, including his friend Justin Steiner, who credits Mallett”s transformation as a significant factor in his own recovery.
When Mallett and Harrison met again, they discussed the past with laughter, but Mallett emphasized the positive impact of that viral tackle. “I just want to say thank you, because I think you slammed some sense into me,” he told Harrison. Both men now look back on that moment with appreciation, knowing it sparked Mallett”s journey toward a better life.
