The Pittsburgh Steelers made their much-anticipated pick on Thursday night when they selected defensive tackle Derrick Harmon out of Oregon during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Harmon's tape showcases his power and how he could make an immediate impact in the middle of Pittsburgh's defensive line. Hopefully, he can be a fixture of the defense for years to come. Addressing the need at defensive tackle was a priority for the Steelers, and they did so by grabbing one of the best at the position in the entire draft.
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Former Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon looks on during a game in college.
After Pittsburgh selected Harmon, the fan base became aware of what else was going on in the young player's life. His mother had gone through some health issues in recent years, and she was currently on life support when her son was selected by Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, Harmon's mother passed away later on Thursday evening after Harmon was able to tell her he got drafted by the Steelers, which was reported by insider Gerry Dulac.
Derrick Harmon’s mom, who was on life support, passed away shortly after he went to the hospital and got to tell her he had been drafted by the Steelers.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) April 25, 2025
Harmon and his family will remain in all of Pittsburgh's thoughts as he navigates this next chapter of his life. He will have one of the best fan bases in all of sports behind him as he gets through this troubling time. The Steelers preach a family culture that will certainly have his back moving forward.
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Derrick Harmon during his time at Oregon.
Harmon and his mother were clearly close, as he had been fairly open about her health issues over the last year. During an interview ahead of the Rose Bowl in 2024, he spoke to the media where he was asked what he has done with the money he has earned through NIL, and he shared that he bought his mother a handicap-accessible van that she could get around in.
SPECIAL PERSON: Derrick Harmon says that he used his NIL Money last year to purchase an accessible van for his mom after she had a stroke
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 25, 2025
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Harmon went to the hospital last night to tell his mother, who is in a coma, that he was drafted to the #Steelers pic.twitter.com/ZuhzVVf8TJ
Harmon is clearly a great person, as well as an amazing athlete, and he should fit the culture in Pittsburgh perfectly. Usually draft picks come to Pittsburgh the day after being selected to greet the media, but that will be delayed as Harmon deals with this personal matter.
Steelers' Cam Heyward Is The Perfect Mentor For Derrick Harmon
A big reason the organization felt so confident in drafting Harmon was because of the presence of Cam Heyward. The veteran defensive lineman has been one of the best at his position for about a decade, and he will be able to give Harmon the tools needed to be successful. The rookie should be able make an immediate impact for Pittsburgh, while also becoming a potential replacement for the 36-year old Heyward as his career is coming to an end.
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Veteran defensive lineman and captain, Cameron Heyward (97) runs out of the tunnel before a game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, PA.
Heyward will also be a good off-the-field mentor for Harmon. Heyward has been a fixture in the Pittsburgh community throughout the years, which is represented by the veteran winning the Walter Payton Man Of The Year Award at the end of the 2023 season. Heyward also went through a similar experience as Harmon, as he lost his father during his senior year of high school.
Harmon will be in the thoughts of everyone in the NFL world as he continues to navigate the start of his career while going through the pain of losing his mother, and the city of Pittsburgh will be ready to welcome him with open arms when the time comes. Our deepest condolences go out to this young man and his family during this time.
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