Pittsburgh Steelers star James Harrison came home to discover his two children had received participation trophies — but they don't get to have them for long.
Harrison, a linebacker for the Steelers, posted a photo of the "2015 Best of the Batch Next Level Athletics Student-Athlete Awards" on Instagram and announced that they will be given back to Next Level Athletics.
In his lengthy social media post, Harrison said he was proud of his sons, but participation trophies are not in line with the values he is teaching his children.
"I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies! While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy. I'm sorry I'm not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned and 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...cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better...not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut u up and keep you happy. #harrisonfamilyvalues"
At time of publication, Harrison's post had more than 1,200 comments from Instagram users and while some decried his decision, most exalted his parenting choices.
"This is great! Thank you for setting a good example and teaching the importance of hard work and actual accomplishment," Instagram user @steve_g18, Steve Glauser, posted.
"My hat is off to you sir! Only through challenge, hard work, disappointment and perseverance do you grow," Tom Parker, @twp1533, posted on Harrison's photo. "One must lose to know what it truly means to win. Something for nothing never made anyone a better person."
