Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll made defensive tackle Damon Harrison, a 2016 First-team All-Pro, a healthy scratch ahead of Sunday's win over the Los Angeles Rams that clinched the division title for Seattle.
That was enough for the man affectionately known as "Snacks" to walk away.
Harrison and Carroll confirmed on Monday that the Seahawks have waived the 32-year-old ahead of Week 17:
I want to thank my teammates and the Seahawks for allowing me to be a small part in the 2020 season. Wish it didn’t have to end but it’s time for us both to move on. All love 12s
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) December 28, 2020
For the future all I ask is that the media no longer direct questions about me to the players and coaches. If you have questions I can answer them for you. They have to remain focused.
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) December 28, 2020
What’s next for me? I’m not sure, I have to make sure my family is good before I do anything. They are my 1st priority. I’d like to keep playing but with Covid and other logistics it’s tough to just pack up and immediately leave. I’ll keep y’all posted!
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) December 28, 2020
I just want to play...period. Don’t care about stats, snaps, etc. I’m a football player and I just want to play. There’s no bad blood at all. I understand the business side. https://t.co/mUCAio0GAH
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) December 28, 2020
Harrison added that he does not wish to be claimed off waivers but wants to join a different team, presumably ahead of the playoffs.
"He's decided to stop playing," Carroll told 710 ESPN Seattle on Monday, per Brady Henderson of ESPN. "He's done playing. I talked to him this morning. He's in good spirits and all of that. He's really grateful for the opportunity in playing here and he did really well by us, but he just ... he's done."
Harrison met with the Seahawks after the start of the season and was signed to their practice squad on Oct. 7. He made his Seattle debut against the Rams on Nov. 15 and recorded nine tackles and a forced fumble during his brief tenure with Seattle before he was inactive on Sunday. Six of his tackles came against the New York Jets in Week 14.
"So I don't know what'll happen with any other club, but I know he's got a big family, he's got a bunch of kids, seven kids, to corral and take care of and it's a very trying time and challenging," Carroll explained during the radio appearance. "He's going to try to just get them back home and get them safe. He was awesome to have around. We loved him and sorry to see him go, but we've got to keep going."
Harrison, meanwhile, suggested he was just getting back into football shape before Monday's developments:
I swear It was about to get scary. My legs were just getting under me and just getting my strength back https://t.co/uvf9Ueaf7S
— Damon Harrison Sr. (@snacks) December 28, 2020
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