During the 2020 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers were the worst rushing team in the NFL. Following the season, the Steelers made it known that they wanted to improve on this by selecting running back Najee Harris with their first-round pick in 2021. In Harris's first two seasons in the NFL, he has had over 1,000 yards rushing in each and looks to be the future of the Steelers' rushing attack.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
The Steelers expect big things from their star running back Najee Harris in his third season in the league.
Recently, Harris got the opportunity to throw out the first pitch for an Oakland Athletics game, as well as do an interview for the Athletics. He talked about how his roots made him love the sports within the Bay Area, which was the reason why he was so excited to throw out the first pitch. He also mentioned how great it has been to have a standard of winning, not only with the Steelers, but with his time at Alabama as well.
"Coming from Alabama, we won National Championships there, we were one of the best teams. To be a part of that organization, same with the Steelers, is motivating. There is a standard that we always like to live up to and this year, we're excited about it. We can't wait to get after it." Harris would then say, "We are a lot better than where we were last year."
Godofredo A. Vásquez / AP
Pittsburgh Steelers' Najee Harris reacts after throwing out the first pitch before a baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Houston Astros in Oakland, Calif., Friday, May 26, 2023.
During Harris's time at Alabama, he was able to win two National Championships in 2017 and 2020. He was also a unanimous All-American, as well as the Doak Walker Award winner, which was for the best running back in the NCAA. When the Steelers drafted him, they knew that they were going to get a winner's mentality. This also gave Head Coach Mike Tomlin a new weapon to work with as well that would share the same mentality as him. Harris would go on and talk about the relationship that he has been able to make with Tomlin over the last two years.
"He's a people's person, he is a player's person." Harris would then say, "It is more about the players, he's going to spend time in the locker room and crack jokes and dance around, stuff like that... To be around that guy is someone that you like to play for. He's a great leader for us."
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin yells emphatically prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Could Be Getting Some Jewelry
Although Harris was able to get two rings during his time at Alabama, expectations are starting to become that the Steelers could be getting some jewelry in their future. The Steelers have now been able to get their franchise quarterback as well as help solidify what once was a very struggling offensive line and with the defense already being elite, all eyes could be on Harris in 2023. If he is able to pound the rock and make the Steelers an elite rushing team, it could very well lead to another Super Bowl in the future.
JORDAN SCHOFIELD | STEELERNATION (TWITTER: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers' Najee Harris leaves one Detroit Lions defender in the dirt and prepares to evade another during a preseason game in 2022
So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Do you think Harris will have a breakout year in 2023? Let me know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
