Is there any better way for a two-time Super Bowl champion to celebrate their 45th birthday than by loading an endless number of weight plates on a barbell and crushing a new personal record bench press? Former NFL linebacker James Harrison doesn’t seem to think so.
On May 2, 2023, Harrison posted a video on his Instagram page wherein he successfully locked out a staggering 545-pound raw bench press two days before his 45th birthday. Check it out below:
View this post on Instagram
[Related: The Tom Platz Challenge — Powerlifter Bradon Gulch Squats 525 Pounds for 21 Reps]
While Harrison’s lift in the video above would unlikely receive green lights from judges in a sanctioned powerlifting meet due to the speed with which he dropped the barbell to his chest without pausing at the bottom before exploding it up, locking out 545 pounds without wrist wraps is impressive nonetheless.
According to Pro Football Reference, the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year stands six feet tall and weighs 242 pounds. Assuming that bodyweight remains accurate, Harrison’s new bench press PR is 2.25 times his body weight.
Despite retiring from professional football after the 2017 NFL season, Harrison remains steadfast in the gym. His social media is littered with videos of him performing overhead presses, incline bench presses, lateral raises, Russian twists, preacher curls, dumbbell biceps curls, and even offers a glimpse of how he recovers through the use of ice baths.
View this post on Instagram
[Related: Reece Fullwood (125KG) Sets New All-Time World Record Raw Squat of 412.5 Kilograms (909.4 Pounds)]
James Harrison’s NFL Career
Harrison debuted in the NFL in 2002 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2003-04 before returning to the Steelers, where he would remain for the bulk of his career. He played for Pittsburgh until 2012 before playing one season in 2013 with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Harrison returned to the Steelers in 2014 and stayed through 2017 but closed out the 2017 season and his pro career with the New England Patriots. He played in the Pro Bowl on five occasions — every year from 2007 to 2011. According to NFL.com, Harrison recorded 811 career tackles and 80.5 career sacks.
Featured image: @jhharrison92 on Instagram
