History of Najee Harris in Timeline

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.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1972: First Steelers Rookie Since Franco Harris to Score a Rushing Touchdown and Record 100 Rushing Yards

In 1972, Najee Harris became the first Steelers rookie since Franco Harris to score a rushing touchdown and record 100 yards rushing on his first five games.

1992: Second-Highest Targets for a Running Back Since 1992

In Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Najee Harris had 19 targets, the second-highest amount for a running back since 1992 when the data was first tracked.

March 9, 1998: Najee Harris Born

On March 9, 1998, Najee Harris was born. He would later become a professional football running back.

Others born on this day/year

2009: Compared to Bryce Brown

In 2009, Najee Harris was one of the most hyped running back recruits since Bryce Brown.

2014: Compared to Leonard Fournette

In 2014, Najee Harris was one of the most hyped running back recruits since Leonard Fournette.

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.

2015: Committed to Alabama Crimson Tide

In 2015, Najee Harris committed to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

2017: Played for the University of Alabama

In 2017, Najee Harris began playing football for the University of Alabama under head coach Nick Saban.

2017: Top Recruit in the Class of 2017

In 2017, Najee Harris was considered the #1 recruit by Scout and Rivals.

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: 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.

2020: Returned to Alabama for Senior Year

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

2020: Played for the University of Alabama

In 2020, Najee Harris concluded playing football for the University of Alabama under head coach Nick Saban.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2021: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers

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

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.

2022: Slow Start to 2022 Season

In 2022, Najee Harris got off to a slow start, leading to questions about a Lisfranc sprain.

2022: Selected as Pro Bowl Alternate

In 2022, Najee Harris was selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl, replacing Joe Mixon.

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.

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.

January 15, 2024: AFC Wild Card Round Loss

On January 15, 2024, Najee Harris made his second post-season appearance in the AFC Wild Card Round against the Buffalo Bills. The Steelers lost 31-17, bringing Harris's post season record to 0-2.