Najee Harris Stirs Controversy With Bizarre Comments About Steelers Win Over Chargers In 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers had their home opener in the 2024 season against the Los Angeles Chargers. Funny enough, that's the team that now has three former Steelers from that 2024 season in Donte Jackson, Mike Williams, and Najee Harris. The Steelers made the choice to move on from Harris after the 2024 season ended and his rookie deal expired. His effort was appreciated, but clearly, the organization had hoped for more out of him considering they didn't try harder to keep Harris.

As Harris has gotten settled in his new team, he's been doing some interviews. During one interview with Kris Rhim of ESPN, Harris made a shocking statement. He may not have even meant to say it, but he admitted that after the Steelers defeated the Chargers 20-10, Harris took notice and knew he wanted to be part of the Chargers. This candid remark immediately caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, especially since it came so soon after his departure from Pittsburgh.

Harris’ comment raises some interesting questions about his time in Pittsburgh and how he felt about the direction of the team during his final season. It also gives insight into his mindset now that he's with the Chargers, showing his admiration for their team despite his former Steelers squad getting the better of them that day. Fans will likely continue to dissect these comments as Harris continues to get settled in with his new team.

"When we played against them, I saw the type of team that they're on the rise to be and I wanted to be a part of that," Harris said.

That comment from Harris isn’t entirely outrageous at first glance, but it’s the way he said it that raises eyebrows. It’s possible Harris genuinely considered joining the Chargers early in the 2024 season, but the timing and context of his remark suggest something more. While Harris undoubtedly played hard, showed up every day, and worked tirelessly, his comment leaves Steelers fans wondering how fully invested he was in Pittsburgh, especially knowing that his future with the team was uncertain. It certainly gives the impression that he may have already seen the writing on the wall.

The Steelers and Harris didn’t have the fairytale ending many envisioned when he was drafted. When a running back is taken in the first round, expectations skyrocket, and he’s expected to quickly establish himself among the league’s top five. If not, the criticism follows. 

Saquon Barkley, widely considered the best running back in the NFL during the 2024 season, faced similar struggles in his early years with the New York Giants. Despite his undeniable talent, he played in a young, underperforming offense, much like the direction Pittsburgh’s offense seemed to be heading.

Najee Harris Was Dealt A Tough Hand With The Steelers

It wasn’t until Barkley joined the Philadelphia Eagles that he truly broke out, becoming a game-changing back. This highlights how much a player’s situation can impact their career trajectory, and Harris wasn’t exactly given the best circumstances in Pittsburgh. It's fair to say that Harris was dealt a tough hand with the Steelers.

While he faced heavy criticism from the fan base, he still gave his all, often playing through adversity such as dealing with poor quarterback play or a hurt offensive line. For that reason, Steelers fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Harris as he embarks on a new chapter with the Chargers.

Steelers fans will always be left wondering what might have been if Harris had the stability of a more well-rounded offensive system around him. With the Chargers, he has the opportunity to flourish in a new environment, but the lingering "what ifs" will always remain in Pittsburgh.

#SteelerNation