Linebacker Malik Harrison didn’t hold back when asked about his decision to leave the Baltimore Ravens and sign with their AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a recent interview following OTA workouts, Harrison stunned reporters by calling his former team “terrible” — and made it clear that joining the Steelers was about payback.
“I was stuck in a terrible situation in Baltimore,” Harrison said. “No direction. No trust. Coming to Pittsburgh isn’t just a fresh start — it’s personal.”
From Third-Round Pick to AFC North Firestarter
Drafted by the Ravens in the 3rd round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Malik Harrison spent four seasons in Baltimore, where he was often used in rotational roles despite showing flashes of starting-caliber ability. While his raw stats weren’t eye-popping, he was known for his consistency against the run and ability to track sideline-to-sideline.
But according to Harrison, the problem wasn’t playing time — it was culture.
“They didn’t know how to use me. They didn’t want to believe in me. I got tired of it,” he said. “This year, they’ll see what happens when I’m actually unleashed.”
Steelers Embrace the Edge
The Pittsburgh Steelers have never shied away from adding players with a chip on their shoulder — and Malik Harrison fits the mold. Head coach Mike Tomlin praised Harrison’s “focus and hunger” in minicamp and said he expects him to be a contributor from Day 1.
Pairing Harrison with Patrick Queen, another former Raven now wearing black and gold, gives the Steelers one of the more intriguing linebacker duos in the AFC.
“We know where we came from. But we’re here now,” Harrison added. “And I’m locked in.”
Rivalry Just Got Personal
The Ravens-Steelers rivalry has always been one of the fiercest in football. It’s known for physical hits, playoff implications, and generational grudges. But Harrison’s comments might add a whole new layer of intensity to the next matchup.
The Steelers and Ravens are set to face each other twice during the 2025 regular season, with the first clash scheduled for Week 9 at M&T Bank Stadium.
“I circled that date the second I signed,” Harrison said.
Fan Reactions Mixed
Ravens fans were quick to fire back on social media, calling Harrison “bitter” and “overrated,” while Steelers fans largely embraced his fire.
One top-liked reply summed it up:
“Nothing wrong with a little hate if it fuels the win. Let’s ride, Malik.”
