In a heated social media reaction, Steelers/20230/”>Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison slammed the officiating, claiming it cost Pittsburgh the game against Indianapolis.
In a post on X, Harrison sarcastically quipped, “Final score: @NFLOfficiating @Colts win the game 24-27!” Adding to the bite, he remarked, “Sorry but I can’t be fined!!” As a former player, Harrison’s words carry weight with many fans who share his concerns over the current state of NFL officiating.
The game didn’t start well for Pittsburgh, with the Colts jumping out to a 17-0 lead in the first half. Harrison’s frustrations stemmed from a series of penalties that hurt the Steelers, most notably an unnecessary roughness call against safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
That penalty allowed the Colts to stretch their lead to 24-10. Fitzpatrick himself was exasperated, commenting, “I thought we were playing football. This isn’t the game I grew up with… you can’t hit anyone anymore.” His comments reflect a growing concern among players about how the game is being officiated and how those decisions can influence results.
Game-changing penalties The officiating decisions continued to affect the outcome. A key moment came when Steelers quarterback Justin Fields was ruled to have fumbled, even though replay suggested his knee was down before the ball came loose.
The call swung momentum in favor of the Colts and gave them a crucial opportunity, adding to Harrison’s frustration.
Earlier in the game, Harrison had predicted that the call on Fitzpatrick would “change the whole outcome.” His view echoes a widespread sentiment among players and fans who feel that NFL officiating has become inconsistent and unpredictable.
The controversy over refereeing wasn’t confined to the Steelers-Colts game. Over the weekend, a confusing face mask penalty during the Giants-Cowboys game also left fans questioning the quality of officiating across the league.
With the NFL under increasing pressure to improve its officiating standards, Harrison’s criticism highlights the need for accountability and fairness. His passion, along with that of other former players, shows how deeply connected they remain to the game and how officiating decisions can shape outcomes.
With the Steelers now 2-2, the team will be eager to regroup, but the lingering frustration over questionable calls may serve as motivation in their upcoming games.
As debates about NFL officiating continue, Harrison’s pointed remarks resonate with those who believe the integrity of the game is at stake and that players and teams deserve a level playing field.
James Harrison blasts NFL officiating after Steelers’ heartbreaking loss to Colts.
