NFL Icon James Harrison takes on the Diamond Gym Challenge, shows he’s still got it, and more
If there was ever any doubt that James Harrison has slowed down in retirement, his latest training session proves otherwise. In new clips posted all over social media, Harrison links up with trainer “Unc” to take on a Diamond Gym–style workout, a gritty, no-frills test built around intensity, control, and pure effort. The premise is simple: can even a legendary workhorse like Harrison handle the kind of session designed to break most lifters?
Spoiler: he can.
This isn’t a flashy, influencer-friendly routine. It’s raw, deliberate, and rooted in old-school training principles.
Training Session Breakdown
The video doesn’t spell out a full program with sets and reps, but the structure and intent are clear from how Harrison attacks it:
- Heavy resistance work, emphasizing strength over speed
- Slow, controlled reps, especially on the eccentric portion
- Constant tension, no bouncing or shortcuts
- Minimal rest between efforts, keeping intensity high
- Every movement performed with purpose and discipline
Harrison maxed out the bar and needed a band to stop the weights from spilling over during a landmine row, showing he still could be a force in the NFL, even a week away from his 48th birthday.
But even a beast like Harrison couldn’t escape the “kangaroo court” of Diamond Gym when he broke the notorious “no water” rule. Luckily a Pittsburgh Steelers employee was around to do the punishment pushups for him
“Work Don’t Stop” Mentality
Harrison has never needed long speeches to explain his mindset. It shows in the way he trains. He is quite possibly the strongest man to ever play in the NFL. He’s a 2x Super Bowl Champion (XLII, XLIII), 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and is seen here benching 525 pounds, five years after he retired!
That same tone carries through here:
Even in a challenge-style session with Unc, Harrison approaches it like it’s just another day in the gym.
What “Diamond Gym–Style” Really Means
Diamond Gym, located in Maplewood, New Jersey, is known as the “home of the hardcore” due to its intense training atmosphere, boasting more than 10,000 lbs of Free Weights and 50+ Years of Bodybuilding History.
This type of training isn’t about aesthetics or trends. It’s old school iron and grit.
- Pushing through fatigue without breaking form
- Prioritizing control over ego lifting
- Maintaining intensity from the first rep to the last
- Embracing pain as part of the process
That’s the standard Unc is bringing into this session, and Harrison meets it head-on.
Final Take
No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just a former NFL gladiator proving he can still run the gauntlet.
James Harrison isn’t just staying in shape. He’s still testing himself against the kind of workouts that define real strength.
And in this Diamond Gym–style session with Unc, he passes the test.
Features image via Instagram @jhharrison92
