How Najee Harris built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Najee Harris is a professional American football running back currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft after a successful college football career at the University of Alabama. As a prominent player for the Steelers, he is a key component of their offensive strategy.
2014: Sophomore Year at Antioch High School
In 2014, as a sophomore at Antioch High School, Najee Harris rushed for 2,263 yards and scored 23 touchdowns.
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2015: Committed to Alabama Crimson Tide
In 2015, Najee Harris committed to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
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2017: Played for the University of Alabama
In 2017, Najee Harris began playing football for the University of Alabama under head coach Nick Saban.
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2017: Top Recruit in the Class of 2017
In 2017, Najee Harris was considered the #1 recruit by Scout and Rivals.
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January 2019: Signed with Beast Mode Marketing
In January 2019, Najee Harris signed with Beast Mode Marketing, the marketing agency of former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch.
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2019: Dominated Backfield for Crimson Tide
In 2019, Najee Harris and Brian Robinson Jr. largely dominated the backfield production for the Alabama Crimson Tide, with Harris having 209 carries for 1,224 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns.
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2020: Played for the University of Alabama
In 2020, Najee Harris concluded playing football for the University of Alabama under head coach Nick Saban.
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2020: Starting Running Back for Alabama Crimson Tide
In 2020, Najee Harris was the starting running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide, leading to his best game of the season against Ole Miss, where he rushed for 206 yards with five touchdowns.
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May 25, 2021: Signed Rookie Contract with Steelers
On May 25, 2021, Najee Harris signed a four-year rookie contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, worth $13.1 million including a $6.9 million signing bonus.
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2021: Hosted Party for Homeless Shelter Kids Instead of Attending NFL Draft
In 2021, Najee Harris declined the invitation to the NFL draft event, opting instead to host a party for kids served at the homeless shelter he spent his childhood at.
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2021: Founded Da' Bigger Picture Foundation
In 2021, Najee Harris founded the nonprofit organization Da' Bigger Picture Foundation, which provides assistance to families impacted by homelessness and hunger.
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2021: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers
In 2021, Najee Harris was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the NFL draft.
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2022: First Steelers Player to Rush for 1,000 Yards in First Two Seasons
In 2022, Najee Harris became the first Steelers player to rush for 1,000 yards in their first two seasons.
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2023: Harris eclipsed 100 rushing yards in Week 6 of the 2024 Season
In Week 6 of the 2024 season, Harris would eclipse 100 rushing yards in game for the first time since Week 18 of the 2023 season with 106.
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2023: Third-Straight 1,000-Yard Season
In the 2023 season, Najee Harris became the only running back in franchise history to start their career with three-straight 1,000-yard seasons.
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May 2, 2024: Steelers Declined Fifth-Year Option
On May 2, 2024, the Steelers declined the fifth-year option on Najee Harris' contract, making him a free agent after the 2024 season.
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