After a record-breaking rookie season for Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris, Steeler Nation should be beyond excited for 2022. Harris finished the 2021 season with 1,200 rushing yards and 74 receptions, both good for franchise rookie records -- and the young Alabama standout is just getting started.
As we move into a new football year, Harris will continue to be heavily relied upon by this Pittsburgh offense. We've seen the growth Harris has already made this off-season, along with the additions on the offensive line to help bolster the run game overall. All of this, along with the confidence head coach Mike Tomlin and Harris' teammates are instilling in him this summer, should have the second-year back poised for a dominant sophomore season.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris (#22), during a regular season game between against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA at Heinz Field. The Steelers beat the Broncos 27-19. | Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers
In an interview earlier this week with Dee Chambers of Dee Loves Sports, Chambers caught up with Harris at his first annual youth football camp in Antioch, California. When asked about how Harris feels about Coach Tomlin calling Harris a "natural born leader," Harris was humbled:
"It's always good to get that type of acknowledgement from somebody like Mike T," Harris explained. "Even guys in the room put me, let me be in that position to be that person, so... I appreciate it."
Harris explained how not just Tomlin, but his teammates as well have continued to help nurture his leadership qualities.
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback, Derek Watt (#44), and running back, Najee Harris (#22), participate in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Tuesday May 31, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Steelers RB1 Najee Harris is an Astonishing Mix Between Jerome Bettis, Le'Veon Bell and Willie Paker
You can't help but feel and see the organization molding Harris into the leader we all know he is right in front of our very eyes. Harris did not have one single fumble doing the regular season last year, and former Steelers cornerback, Ike Taylor, is projecting Harris to be a top five running back in the NFL in 2022.
Harris won't have to shoulder the load and weight of the entire offense alone, however. Albeit one of the now youngest offenses in the league, newcomer quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, along with wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool, will look to carve out leadership roles themselves. If this offense can continue to grow as a unit for years to come with Harris at the helm, there's no doubt this team can hoist a seventh Lombardi Trophy in the near future.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8), and running back, Najee Harris (#22), practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp, Wednesday, June 8, 2022. | Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
To watch the rest of Harris' interview with Chambers, check out below:
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So, what do yinz think? Will Najee Harris be ready to be the team's bona fide offensive leader in 2022 and beyond!? Click to comment below!
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