Steelers linebacker James Harrison donates $100,000 to Kent State

KENT, Ohio - Kent State University will rename its field house weight room in honor of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

On Wednesday, the school’s board of trustees approved a $100,000 gift from the five-time Pro Bowler.

"We are extremely grateful to James for his commitment to Kent State and the football program," said director of athletics Joel Nielsen. "He is one of the most recognizable figures in the NFL today and his support is sure to have a lasting effect on our student-athletes now and in the future."

The weight room will now be called The James Harrison Strength and Conditioning Center, and the donation will go towards scholarships and equipment upgrades, the university said.

The Akron native played for the Kent State Golden Flashes from 1999 to 2001, where he was a three-time letter winner and named to the first team All-Mid-American Conference.

Harrison signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent. He has since won two Super Bowls and was named the NFL defensive player of the year in 2008.

Last season, Harrison was suspended for one game following a helmet-to-helmet hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. Harrison was fined six times in 2009 and 2010 for similar hits.