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Steelers linebacker James Harrison won't let his kids have participation trophies

A trophy for just showing up? That's not good enough in James Harrison's household.
/ Source: TODAY

These days trophies, ribbons and other accolades aren't just for winners. Simply showing up can be enough to earn an honor — for some kids.

But that trend doesn't extend James Harrison's household. The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker won't let his kids walk away from a competition with a participation award.

"I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies!" he wrote in a caption accompanying a photo of the offending items. "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."

According to Harrison, without putting in the work, his sons won't learn anything — except entitlement.

"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," he continued. "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."

James Harrison
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 28: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 28, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)Getty Images file

The NFL player punctuated his point with a simple hashtag: #harrisonfamilyvalues.

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