NFL linebacker James Harrison made headlines over the weekend with a controversial Instagram post voicing his personal disapproval of participation awards in youth sports. When the longtime Pittsburgh Steeler came home to find his sons' participation trophies, Harrison vowed to return the awards because he wanted his sons to "EARN a real trophy."
While Harrison also said that he's very proud of his sons and will always be a supportive father, the five-time Pro Bowler wants to teach his boys that trophies are earned by being the best, not by simply trying.
"I'm not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best," Harrison posted. "...cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better."
Despite being a two-time Super Bowl champion, Harrison knows a thing or two about trying your best and coming up short, as well. He was also part of the 2010-11 Steelers team that lost Super Bowl XLV to the Green Bay Packers.
What do you think of #harrisonfamilyvalues? Should kids receive participation awards in youth sports, or should trophies be earned?
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