FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — James Harrison is headed back to the Super Bowl.

And he says the only thing he’s focused on is winning a third championship.

Everything else is secondary for the 39-year-old Patriots linebacker, who is thriving in his new role with the team that was once his rival.

“That’s the goal. To win the Lombardi (Trophy). There’s only one winner,” Harrison said as he prepared to make his first trip to the Super Bowl since the 2008 season, when he captured his second ring with Pittsburgh.

He’s done talking about his abrupt departure from the Steelers last month and the suggestions from his former teammates that it was Harrison who asked to be released after complaints about playing time.

In a lengthy post on Instagram days after joining the Patriots, Harrison responded directly to his critics, writing: “If anybody thought I signed a two-year deal with a team in the NFL at age 39 to sit on the bench and collect a check and a participation trophy, they’re mistaken. I didn’t sign up to sit on the bench and be a cheerleader.”

What’s not in dispute is Harrison’s playing time decreased significantly this season with the Steelers.

The Steelers’ sack leader with 80½ in 14 seasons, Harrison appeared in five games and played a total of 38 snaps for them this season. He had one sack. His five appearances were his fewest since his first season in Pittsburgh in 2002.

After being released Dec. 23, Harrison signed with New England and played in the regular-season finale against the Jets, with three tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.

In one regular-season and two playoff games with the Pats, he’s already been part of 89 snaps.

“I’m doing whatever they ask me to do,” Harrison said. “I’m getting more snaps than I had (in Pittsburgh) and I like that.”

As to whether he has something to prove at this point, he said that’s always his mindset.

“Anything people say I can’t do, I want to prove them wrong,” Harrison said.

He said it would be impossible to feel truly acclimated after three games, but he has an appreciation for the way the Patriots approach things.

Safety Devin McCourty said Harrison’s work ethic has been noticeable.

“I think younger guys on the team, compared to him, can learn from him,” McCourty said. “I think we all saw that from Day 1 when he came in here bright and early getting whatever he needs done.”

Coach Bill Belichick praised Harrison’s ability to handle different things they’ve asked.

“This guy is a professional. He’s into football. He’s into his job and wants to do it well,” Belichick said. “I, 100 percent totally respect that. That’s what you want from everybody.”

Harrison started at outside linebacker in the AFC final against Jacksonville and is in line to start again alongside Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts against the Eagles.

Whatever happens, Harrison is secure in his decisions.

“It feels good, but like I’ve said before, this is all God’s plan,” he said. “This is all his doing. I’m just reaping the benefits of it.”

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