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 an American professional football running back currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft after a successful college football career with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Harris is known for his rushing abilities, receiving skills, and overall versatility as a running back. He is a key player on offense and is expected to make an impact with his new team.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

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.

2019: Successful Season at Alabama

In 2019, Najee Harris had a successful season with 1,224 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, along with 27 receptions for 304 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns, while playing for Alabama.

2020: Decision to Return to Alabama

Despite speculation, Najee Harris announced he would return to Alabama for his senior year in 2020, foregoing the NFL draft.

2020: Graduated from the University of Alabama

In 2020, Najee Harris graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Consumer Sciences. He also began celebrating touchdowns by striking the iconic World Cup pose of Megan Rapinoe.

2020: Starting Running Back for Alabama Crimson Tide

In 2020, Najee Harris was the starting running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and in the regular season opener against the Missouri Tigers, he had 17 attempts for 98 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in the 38–19 victory.

May 25, 2021: Signed Rookie Contract with Steelers

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

2021: Founded Da' Bigger Picture Foundation

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

2021: Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers

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

2021: Hosted Party Instead of Attending NFL Draft

In 2021, instead of attending the NFL draft in Cleveland, Ohio, Najee Harris hosted a party for the kids served at Greater Richmond Interfaith Program, the homeless shelter he spent his childhood at.

2022: Performance in 2022 Season

During the 2022 season, Najee Harris experienced a slow start but improved significantly after the team's bye week, highlighted by a game-winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens.

2022: Pro Bowl Alternate and All-Rookie Team Selection

In 2022, Najee Harris was selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl, replacing Joe Mixon, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and the NFL All-Rookie Team.

2022: 1,000 Rushing Yards in First Two Seasons

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

2023: Third-Straight 1,000-Yard Season

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