Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison has been named the the 2008 GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Year GMC and the NFL announced today.

Harrison recorded a career-high 101 tackles and had 16 sacks during the season, including three in Week 1 in the Steelers' 38-17 win over the Houston Texans.

In Week 11, Harrison had a sack, forced a fumble and recorded a safety in one play, and also returned an interception 33 yards in the Steelers' 11 – 10 win over the San Diego Chargers.

Harrison led the Steelers' defensive effort with nine tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles, both recovered by Pittsburgh, in the Steelers' 33-10 win over the New England Patriots in Week 13. Harrison was nominated for two GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Week awards, winning twice.

More than 672,000 fan votes were submitted for the 2008 GMC GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Year on NFL.com from Jan. 3 through today.

Harrison was one of five finalists for the honor. The other finalists were defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth of the Tennessee Titans, linebacker Joey Porter of the Miami Dolphins, free safety Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens and linebacker De Marcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys.