History of Najee Harris in Timeline

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

1972: First Steelers' rookie to score a rushing touchdown

In Week 5 against the Denver Broncos, Harris became the first Steelers' rookie since Franco Harris in 1972 to score a rushing touchdown and record 100 yards rushing on his first five games.

1992: NFL data tracking began

1992 marks the year when the NFL started tracking data for running backs and targets. In Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Harris recorded 142 all purpose yards, including 14 catches in 19 targets, tying the NFL record for most catches in a game for a rookie running back, and were the second-highest amount of targets for a running back since 1992.

March 9, 1998: Najee Harris's Birth

On March 9, 1998, Najee Mzee Harris was born. He is an American professional football running back.

Others born on this day/year

2009: Comparison to Bryce Brown

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

2014: Comparison 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 with 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: Played for University of Alabama

From 2017, Najee Harris played football for the University of Alabama.

2017: Ranked as Top Recruit

In 2017, Najee Harris was considered a top recruit, ranked by various sports outlets.

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: Week 18 performance

Harris exceeded 100 rushing yards in game for the first time since Week 18 of the 2023 season.

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.

January 15, 2024: AFC Wild Card Round Appearance

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