Some NFL pundits have Najee Harris projected to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, but the running back of the Pittsburgh Steelers is doing something worth the Walter Payton Man of the Year.
Harris grew up homeless in the state of California. He has detailed stories of his family sleeping in homeless shelters, friends’ houses, and cars. Despite the struggle, everyone stayed together and football became Harris’ outlet.
He used it to emerge as a five-star and would become a legend at the University of Alabama.
During the week of the NFL Draft, Harris hosted a party at the homeless shelter he grew up in as a child. He was selected in the first round (No. 24 overall) by the Steelers and has a four-year contract worth $13 million. In not wanting to see others endure the pain, Harris is working with politicians in California to address homelessness.
He feels he is in a position to help others in need, and Harris is someone that will use his platform.
The Steelers rookie RB is working with California politicians to address homelessness 🙏 pic.twitter.com/YxUmTIPscf
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) June 29, 2021
He brought a more unified community to UA’s campus and lent his voice to social justice.
RELATED: Jaylen Waddle’s ankle looks great as he prepares for Dolphins’ training camp
Harris’ life is bigger than football, and he continues to make the people around him proud.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
