PITTSBURGH -- James Harrison and the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed on a new contract worth more money than any defensive player has been paid in the history of the franchise -- and it's believed to be the biggest deal for any linebacker in the NFL.

The Steelers officially announced the signing Tuesday.

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WTAE Channel 4's news exchange partner, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reported that the six-year deal is for $51.175 million -- including $20 million in bonuses and other guaranteed money.

It's the second-biggest money deal in Steelers history behind quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's eight-year, $102 million contract.

But becoming the highest paid linebacker in NFL history has only fueled Harrison's drive to succeed.

"I want to make them proud. I don't want to let them down. I don't want them to feel like they gave me this money and I'm just going to go out there and go to bed, so that's what's going to drive me," said Harrison.

Harrison also said he expects to play all six seasons of his new contract.

Harrison, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, would have been an unrestricted free agent following the 2009 season, had he not gotten a new contract from the Steelers.

Undrafted out of Kent State and cut several times before finally finding a permanent home with the Steelers, Harrison has risen from a player nobody wanted to one of the most revered in the NFL.

"James referenced today that he wanted to thank God for His help in this and there's got to be some divine intervention here to bring James Harrison from an undrafted rookie to the most valuable defensive player in the NFL," said Bill Parise, Harrison's agent.

About to turn 31, Harrison is coming off what may be the best season a Steelers lineman has ever had, with 16 sacks, seven forced fumbles and 101 total tackles -- and of course, the 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII.

A majority of fans voting in ThePittsburghChannel.com's Web poll have chosen Harrison's Super Bowl TD as the Steelers' all-time greatest play.

Because of Harrison's age, it's possible he'll be cut before playing the entire length of his new contract, so the bonuses and guarantees were especially important to seal the deal.

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