Career Timeline of Najee Harris: Major Achievements and Milestones

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 Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. Before joining the NFL, Harris played college football at the University of Alabama. His performance in college led to him being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, starting his professional career. He signed with the Chargers in 2024.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2014: Sophomore Season at Antioch High School

In 2014, during his sophomore year at Antioch High School, Najee Harris rushed for 2,263 yards and scored 23 touchdowns.

April 2015: Verbal Commitment to Alabama

In April 2015, Najee Harris verbally committed to the University of Alabama.

January 2017: Official Commitment to Alabama Crimson Tide

In January 2017, Najee Harris officially committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide after being persuaded by Tua Tagovailoa.

2017: Plays for University of Alabama

In 2017, Najee Harris began playing football for the University of Alabama.

2017: Ranked as a Top Recruit

In 2017, Najee Harris was considered the #1 recruit in the class by Scout and Rivals, and ranked highly by 247Sports and ESPN, receiving offers from top football programs.

January 2019: Signs with Beast Mode Marketing

In January 2019, Najee Harris signed with Beast Mode Marketing, the marketing agency of former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch.

2019: Successful 2019 Season at Alabama

In 2019, Najee Harris had a successful season at Alabama with 1,224 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, along with 304 receiving yards and 7 receiving touchdowns.

2020: End of College Career at Alabama

In 2020, Najee Harris concluded his college football career at the University of Alabama.

2020: Starting Running Back for Alabama Crimson Tide

In 2020, Najee Harris was the starting running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide, beginning the season on September 26 due to COVID-19 restrictions. In the opener against Missouri, Harris had 17 attempts for 98 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a 38-19 victory.

2020: Return to Alabama for Senior Year

In 2020, despite speculation about entering the NFL draft, Najee Harris announced he would return to Alabama for his senior year.

May 25, 2021: Signs Rookie Contract with the Steelers

On May 25, 2021, Najee Harris signed a four-year, $13.1 million rookie contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a $6.9 million signing bonus.

2021: Founds Da' Bigger Picture Foundation

In 2021, Najee Harris founded the Da' Bigger Picture Foundation, with assistance from California governor Gavin Newsom, to help families impacted by homelessness and hunger.

2021: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2021, Najee Harris was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the NFL draft.

2021: Hosts Party for Homeless Shelter Kids

In 2021, on the day of the NFL draft, Najee Harris hosted a party for the kids at the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program homeless shelter and watched the draft with family and friends at a restaurant owned by Marshawn Lynch.

2022: 1,000 Rushing Yards in First Two Seasons

In 2022, Najee Harris finished the season with 1,038 rushing yards, making him the first Steelers player to rush for 1,000 yards in his first two seasons.

2023: Regular Season

In the 2023 regular season, Harris had 26 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown in a 17–10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

2023: Third Straight 1,000-Yard Season

In the 2023 season, Najee Harris rushed for 1,035 yards, making him the only running back in franchise history to start their career with three-straight 1,000-yard seasons.