According to a source with knowledge of Harrison's plans, the 36-year-old will announce tomorrow that he is retiring after 15 seasons -- the last six with the Patriots -- to pursue a broadcast career as part of NBC Sports' NFL coverage.

NBC carries the NFL's Sunday Night Football package.

The move was expected. Harrison was part of NBC's coverage of Super Bowl XLIII in February and also did work for the NFL Network during the playoffs. His contract with the Patriots expired after the 2008 season.

Harrison joined the Patriots in 2003 and won a pair of Super Bowl rings. A two-time Pro Bowler, he is the only player in NFL history with more than 30 sacks (30.5) and 30 interceptions (34).

The Patriots have scheduled a 9 a.m. conference call tomorrow with Harrison. NBC Sports has scheduled a conference call for noon tomorrow to announce new talent.

Harrison, who always has been as blunt with his opinions as he was with his hits, will have no trouble telling it like it is, according to his former teammates.

"He's going to tell you the truth," said Pierre Woods. "He said it about the quarterback situation in the league. He said it's becoming a soft league. I don't try to read into many things, but when Rodney speaks, when certain guys speak, you got to listen to it."

Safety James Sanders, one of Harrison's closest friends on the team, agreed, saying Harrison will be great on TV.

“He’ll say what needs to be said," Sanders said. "I don’t think he’ll hold anything back. You know him – he speaks his mind, and whatever he feels, he’s going to say. It might not be the thing that everyone wants to hear, but more than likely, it’s going to be the truth.”