The Pittsburgh Steelers made the choice to part ways with Najee Harris after the 2024 season. In the eyes of many, Harris never truly lived up to his draft hype, but he gave Pittsburgh four seasons of absolutely everything he had to give. It's sad for Steelers fans to see how Harris' career in Pittsburgh ended, as it started with so much promise. Now, Harris will look to prove the Steelers made a mistake, as he's on a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Harris' time in Pittsburgh was filled with highs and lows, but he consistently battled through adversity. While his performance often faced criticism, particularly in his later years with the team, no one could question his heart and dedication. Steelers fans will fondly remember his ability to show up to work every single day, even though he didn’t always meet the sky-high expectations placed on him.
When Harris entered the NFL, he didn’t come into the most ideal situation. He joined a young offensive side of the ball, and he opened up about that when speaking to Chris Hayre of KCAL News recently. Harris reflected on the challenges he faced, acknowledging that it wasn't easy to thrive in an offense that was still finding its identity. Despite those struggles, Harris remains motivated to show that he has much more to give, hoping his new opportunity with the Chargers will allow him to reach his full potential.
"I'm just trying to look for people, to pick their brain off of," Harris said. "It was just defensive guys and I would go to the defensive guys and talk to them, but it would just be about defense. There wasn’t much they could tell me about the offense. I learned a lot that only I learned first hand… It was some interesting years there, I'll just say that."
As mentioned earlier, Harris entered the NFL during a period of instability for the Steelers. His rookie season saw him playing alongside Ben Roethlisberger, but the legendary quarterback retired after that year, leaving Harris to navigate a vastly different team. In 2022, the Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett and George Pickens, bringing in a fresh crop of young talent. However, with a new quarterback and a developing offense, Harris felt like he had to become a leader early in his career.
That uncertainty only grew in his final year, as Harris found himself trying to adjust to a new offensive system while the Steelers rebuilt their identity. The offensive line was in transition, and Harris struggled to find consistency in the run game. There were flashes of brilliance, but without a steady foundation, it was difficult for Harris to build on his early promise. At times, it seemed like the offense was working against him rather than in sync with his talents.
One of the hardest things for Harris was the lack of veteran mentorship on the offensive side of the ball. With a young quarterback in Pickett and a wide receiver group that was still finding its footing, Harris often had to navigate the complexities of the NFL on his own.
In hindsight, he admits that there were moments when he wished for more guidance, especially during the rough patches when the team’s offense struggled to find its rhythm. That absence of a seasoned mentor may have impacted his development and contributed to the way his tenure in Pittsburgh ultimately unfolded.
Ex-Steelers RB Najee Harris Looking To Prove Pittsburgh Wrong
Despite those challenges, Harris never stopped working to improve. His commitment to becoming a reliable force for the Steelers was clear, but with the team moving in a different direction, Harris’ time in Pittsburgh came to an end.
Now with the Chargers, he has the chance to reinvent himself and prove that his best football is still ahead of him. The move to a new city, with a more established offense, offers Harris the opportunity to showcase his true potential and silence the doubters. He’s ready for a fresh start, determined to make the Steelers rethink their decision and show the world what he’s capable of.
