Najee Mzee Harris is an American professional football running back for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. Known for his powerful running style and versatility, Harris has quickly established himself as a key player in the league.
Early Life and Background
Najee Harris was born on March 9, 1998, in Martinez, California. He is one of five children raised by a single mother, and his early life was marked by challenges, including time spent in a homeless shelter during his middle school years. The family eventually settled in Antioch, California, where Harris began to excel in sports, particularly football.
Harris attended Antioch High School, where he played football and quickly made a name for himself. As a sophomore, he rushed for 2,263 yards and 23 touchdowns, showcasing his talent and potential. His junior year saw him achieve even greater success, with 2,744 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns. By the time he graduated, he had accumulated 2,776 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns in his senior year, solidifying his reputation as a top recruit.
Path to American Football
Considered one of the top high school recruits in the nation, Najee Harris received offers from several prestigious college football programs, including the University of Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State. Ultimately, he committed to Alabama in April 2015, influenced by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who convinced him to join the Crimson Tide.
Harris played for the University of Alabama from 2017 to 2020 under head coach Nick Saban. During his college career, he became a standout player, particularly in his final season, where he led the NCAA in rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns. His performance earned him numerous accolades, including the Doak Walker Award and recognition as a unanimous All-American.
Najee Harris Career
Early Career (2021-2022)
Najee Harris was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, becoming the first running back chosen that year. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $13.1 million, including a $6.9 million signing bonus. In his rookie season, Harris made an immediate impact, finishing with 1,200 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, along with 74 receptions for 467 yards and three touchdowns.
His impressive performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and made him an alternate for the 2022 Pro Bowl. Harris set a record for the most catches in a game for a rookie running back and became the first Steelers rookie to score a rushing touchdown and rush for over 100 yards in his first five games since Franco Harris in 1972.
Breakthrough (2023)
In the 2022 season, Najee Harris faced some challenges, including a slow start due to a Lisfranc sprain suffered in training camp. However, he rebounded in the latter part of the season, rushing for over 50 yards in seven of the last nine games and scoring seven total touchdowns. His best performance came in a Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, where he rushed for 111 yards and caught the game-winning touchdown.
Harris finished the 2022 season with 1,038 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, making him the first Steelers player to rush for 1,000 yards in their first two seasons. He continued to show his resilience and skill as a running back, solidifying his role as a key player for the Steelers.
Notable Works and Milestones
Najee Harris’s signature work includes his standout performances during his college career, particularly leading Alabama to two national championships and earning the Doak Walker Award. He has also made a name for himself in the NFL with impressive rookie statistics and multiple accolades.
Najee Harris Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Najee Harris has received several nominations and accolades, including being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2021 and earning a spot as an alternate for the Pro Bowl in 2022.
Najee Harris Awards Won
Najee Harris has won multiple awards during his career, including the Doak Walker Award in 2020 and being recognized as a unanimous All-American. He has also been a two-time CFP national champion.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Bowl | 1 | 2021 |
| PFWA All-Rookie Team | 1 | 2021 |
| 2× CFP national champion | 2 | 2017, 2020 |
| Doak Walker Award | 1 | 2020 |
| Unanimous All-American | 1 | 2020 |
| NCAA rushing touchdowns leader | 1 | 2020 |
| NCAA scoring leader | 1 | 2020 |
| First-team All-SEC | 1 | 2020 |
| Second-team All-SEC | 1 | 2019 |
Najee Harris Family
Details about Najee Harris’s family are limited, but he is known to have grown up in a challenging environment with his single mother and four siblings. His experiences have shaped his perspective and commitment to giving back to the community.
Personal Life
Najee Harris graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Consumer Sciences in 2020. He is known for his philanthropic efforts, including founding the Da’ Bigger Picture Foundation, which assists families impacted by homelessness and hunger. Harris has also been open about his admiration for social issues, often referencing figures like Megan Rapinoe as inspirations.
