NFL player sparks debate by giving back his sons' participation trophies

Monday, August 17, 2015
PITTSBURGH -- An NFL player is sparking a big parenting debate regarding children and trophies. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison took the controversy head on when his two sons James III and Henry brought home participation trophies from a local athletics event run by former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch.

He posted a photo of the trophies to Instagram with the caption: "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 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. #Harrisonfamilyvalues."


The field is divided on this one, some saying participation is a win in and of itself while others feel kids need to learn that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose
[Ads /]
Do you think trophies should be reserved for winners only?

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.