NFL star gives harsh parenting lesson to his kids

MOST parents could not be happier when their child receives an award. But that’s not good enough for this father.

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 30: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is introduced prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Heinz Field on November 30, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

FOR many parents, when their child receives a participation award they couldn’t be happier.

It shows their kid got involved and someone recognised that they did their best.

For Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison, however, doing your best simply does not cut it when it comes to his kids.

Harrison took to social media to express his disgust at his two sons being awarded participation trophies after an athletics track and field meet.

Posting a photo of the trophies online, Harrison said he would be taking the awards away from his boys “until they earn a real trophy.”

“While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these trophies won’t be given back until they EARN a real trophy,” he said.

The former NFL defensive player of the year said he wanted to raise his sons to become men who were driven to be better than their best.

“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.”

CAPTION:“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”

Taking trophies away from children is a pretty harsh lesson, but with such a passionate set of values, it is no wonder James Harrison has seen such incredible success on the football field.

Harrison’s fans had nothing but support for the 37-year-old, even calling him a “great dad”.

@jharrison9292 I agree..."If at first you don't succeed...you failed. Try harder next time!"

— Darren (@DarrenC347) August 15, 2015

@jharrison9292 Well done! Wish more people would do this! Let's start that trend!!!

— Gary Gessendorf (@Gess130FE) August 15, 2015

@jharrison9292 yes yes yes!!!

— theresa (@TheresaRunning) August 16, 2015

@jharrison9292 totally agree with you participation trophies are the demise of what they are for. earn it

— vance thorsen (@hky69nut) August 15, 2015

@jharrison9292 @BenjiBacker That's called being a great Dad! Honest tweet. I'll be doing the same with my 5yo son

— TryingToBeAGreatDad (@Small_Gov_Cons) August 15, 2015

@jharrison9292 Thank you!! I wish more people felt this way! You are entitled to nothing! Hard work gets you there!!

— mlw558 (@mlw558) August 15, 2015