Tragic Loss: Steelers’ First-Round Pick Derrick Harmon Mourns His Mother’s Passing Shortly After NFL Draft

Derrick Harmon is experiencing a tumultuous time. Just a day after the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him as the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, his mother, Tiffany Saine, passed away, as confirmed by the team to KDKA-TV.

After learning he had been drafted, Harmon rushed to the hospital to share the news with his mother, who was on life support. Tragically, she died shortly after he told her about the draft on social media.

Harmon’s mother had faced numerous health struggles, including multiple brain surgeries and paralysis from a stroke during his freshman year at Michigan State. Despite these challenges, she remained a steadfast support for Harmon throughout his journey. Just before the Rose Bowl game in January, Harmon shared that he had bought an accessible van for her using his NIL earnings to improve her mobility.

Transferring from Michigan State to Oregon was a pivotal decision for Harmon, who had to carefully consider how it would affect his mother. In a heartfelt conversation, she encouraged him to focus on his own future. “She told me it was time to make a decision for myself,” he recalled. This supportive dialogue helped him take the leap and move 2,000 miles to pursue his dreams.

Harmon often reflected on his mother’s resilience, noting how her strength motivated him to push through his own challenges. “She didn’t give up after all those surgeries. She still took me to practice and worked hard,” he said. This direct influence from his mother instilled in him a belief that he could overcome anything.

Stories like Harmon’s shine a light on the deep connections between family and ambition in the sports world. Recent studies show that emotional support significantly influences an athlete’s mental health and performance. In fact, a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that athletes with strong familial support reported lower levels of stress and higher motivation.

As Harmon navigates this incredibly difficult moment, his mother’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire him as he steps onto the field. “She’s the reason why I’m here,” he stated. Her spirit, resilience, and love will guide him in the days to come.

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