Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Najee Harris is following in the footsteps of Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis, as both a back and a leader. In his second year, Harris is already a team captain. Harris has had a bit of a rocky start to the season but appears to be improving. This is crucial, he means more to this young offense than just a set of legs.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris carries the football during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (Photo Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Harris, A Head Strong Star
Harris’ difficult childhood has been well documented, he was homeless and frequently moved. He said for his family the struggle to survive was real. As a child, football was an escape and a way to instill discipline. Harris was determined to be successful, sneaking into the weight room, practicing alone, late at night and using YouTube videos to coach himself. This determination helped birth a leader that is headstrong and independent.
Harris was the top high school recruit in 2017 and chose The University of Alabama. He had a stand-out career and helped the Crimson Tide win two CFP National Championships and won a Doak Walker Award. However, that headstrong independence reared its ugly head, and Harris and Head Coach Nick Saban had frequent conflicts.
Harris And Saban Clash
Harris felt that Saban was “belittling” him instead of coaching. Saban is well known for his direct, no-nonsense coaching style, which has created a lot of stars. At one point Harris felt that he had no choice but to remove himself from the situation. He needed time to clear his head.
“I’m like, ‘Man, I’m not messing with y’all. I’m gone.’ So I left school for like two weeks. Yeah, people didn’t know that,” Harris recounts.
When Harris returned, he and Saban sat down and cleared the air, coming to an understanding. Harris said after that they were “rock solid.”
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Harris Emerges As A Young Leader
Harris said that the only thing that Saban and Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin have in common is the knack for winning. He told Rich Eisen that Tomlin gets to know his players while Saban is all business. He says both clearly care about their players but attributes age as a factor in how they show it differently.
These experiences, coupled with childhood struggles, helped Harris mature and his leadership abilities emerged. When Harris was being talked about as a prospect for the Steelers, there were concerns that his stubborn ways would not translate to the NFL or that he would clash with Tomlin.
The opposite has happened, Tomlin has taken an interest in developing Harris, saying he reminds him of himself. Harris, who sustained a Lisfranc injury has not had the kind of sophomore season for which fans hoped. After a Pro Bowl rookie season, this season has felt disappointing. Harris’ backstep this year can be attributed to a number of factors including offensive line issues, play calling, injury and his own errors. It would be a mistake to only view Harris through the lens of statistics. He is so much more than that to this team. He has become a much-needed leader on this young offense.“Harris the leader” has shone through this season.
When he was told about the change in the way RBs would be utilized he initially bristled. The new plan was for him to share rushing with UDFA Jaylen Warren. He got on board, instead of pushing back like he might have done at Alabama.
Steelers' Najee Harris gets ready for a tough battle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers
This has been a challenging season. During trying times, leaders emerge and Harris is on the rise. His play improved since the change in RB structure, and he is helping the other backs. Last week, an injury prevented him from returning after halftime and Warren was out as well, he stepped up emotionally and helped motivate Anthony McFarland and Benny Snell, Jr., who both had outstanding games.
Harris is the leader that is desperately needed. His role on the team is not just running the ball, and he should be appreciated for both.
What kind of positive impact does Harris have on this offense? Who else on the offense is an impactful leader? Comment below!
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