Chargers' Najee Harris Admits Hard Truth About His Time With The Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers' former 2021 NFL Draft first-round pick running back, Najee Harris' time in the Steel City has come to an end. Steelers fans will continue to debate whether his impact was great, average, or disappointing, and whether he ever truly lived up to his first-round billing. Any time a running back is selected in the first round, the expectations are sky-high. That was certainly the case for Harris, and unfortunately, many fans never fully appreciated what he brought to the team. But one thing that can’t be questioned is Harris’ effort — he gave everything he had to Pittsburgh every time he stepped on the field.

The Steelers decided to move on after his rookie contract, making that clear by declining his fifth-year option. Now, Harris is looking for a fresh start on a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite his exit, many Steelers fans will still keep an eye on his journey and root for his success.

In a recent interview with Chris Hayre of KCAL News, Harris opened up about his time in Pittsburgh. He spoke candidly about the challenges he faced entering a young offense surrounded by inexperienced players and constant changes at quarterback. The expectations placed on him were sky-high from day one, and the pressure to carry the offense often became overwhelming. Harris admitted that the lack of consistency and leadership on offense made his development even tougher.

"We just didn't know anything on offense, really," Harris said. "We didn't have any identity. We had a young guy coming in at quarterback, I was young, the team was young. I really didn't have nobody to almost learn from on the offensive side."

Still, Harris expressed gratitude for his time in Pittsburgh and the lessons learned. He made it clear that his struggles there only fueled his desire to improve and prove doubters wrong in Los Angeles. The 2025 season will be a fresh opportunity for Harris to show he can still be a top running back in this league — and Steelers fans, even with mixed opinions, will surely be watching.

Harris certainly shouldered a heavy load during his time in Pittsburgh. Over four seasons, he carried the ball 1,097 times — a massive workload for any back. He totaled 4,312 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns, becoming a key part of the Steelers’ offense even when things weren’t clicking. His 3.9 yards per carry average became a point of criticism, but some argue the offensive line struggles played a major factor.

Despite the numbers, Harris never quite became the game-breaking back fans hoped for. He was consistent, durable, and tough, but rarely explosive. Many believe the lack of offensive identity that Harris mentioned in his interview held him back. Without a stable system or elite blocking, it was hard for him to truly shine.

Steelers' Najee Harris Showed Up To Work Every Single Day

Harris also became known for his effort and leadership, even when the offense sputtered. He took pride in being available every Sunday and never shied away from responsibility. His blue-collar mentality fit Pittsburgh’s identity, but production and expectations didn’t always align. By the end of his fourth season, it was clear both sides needed a fresh start.

The Steelers’ decision to decline his fifth-year option signaled the end of his run. The organization has shifted toward Jaylen Warren and other new options in the backfield. Meanwhile, Harris now gets the chance to play alongside Justin Herbert in Los Angeles, hoping for more stability and bigger running lanes.

Only time will tell how Steelers fans will remember Harris. Some will appreciate his toughness and durability, while others will wonder what could have been with a better offensive line or situation. In the end, Harris’ chapter in Pittsburgh is over but Steelers fans will soon learn if they made the right move getting rid of him.

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