During emotional time, Harmon back in his 'element'
It's been quite an emotional two weeks for DerrickHarmon.
The Steelers' first-round pick out of Oregon has dealt with grief following the passing of his mother, TiffanySaine, and experienced the joy associated with turning his NFL dreams into a reality. Now, he's looking to continue on, as he prepares himself for the beginning of a new journey in a Steelers uniform.
“I'm doing the best I can right now," Harmon said following the first day of the Steelers' annual rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex this morning. "I’m in football, I’m in my element. Got my mind on a few things, but I’m OK."
Harmon said he's still dealing with the loss of someone he considered his biggest fan. Saine provided her support in every decision he's made throughout his playing career and motivated Harmon by displaying perseverance following multiple brain surgeries and a stroke she suffered during his freshman year at Michigan State.
"I'm just putting one foot in front of the other," Harmon said.
Through it all, Harmon's focus has turned toward the start of his NFL career after being taken by the Steelers with the No. 21 pick in last month's draft. He described the moment he arrived at the practice facility and saw his locker for the first time with one particular word.
“Unbelievable," he said. "It was a dream come true. Got around my guys, my new teammates and just ready to get to work with them.”
Harmon took part in drills today alongside other defensive linemen, including fellow rookies YahyaBlack and BlakeMangelson, while getting to work directly with defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who he described as a guy who is "going to coach you hard," but cares about his players.
“I love these guys. Everybody’s ready to work, ready to get to it," Harmon said of his new teammates. "Everybody’s coming out with high energy in our first walkthrough. Guys are getting after it."
As he continues to progress from rookie minicamp and into OTAs, which are set to begin at the end of the month, Harmon said his focus is on helping the team, being a good rookie and finding veterans to learn from. For now, though, he doesn't appear worried about being overwhelmed with the amount of work associated with transitioning from the college ranks into the NFL.
“I’m coming from Oregon and they throw everything at us," Harmon said. "I was in the NFL and I feel like I’m right here. They prepare us at Oregon very well for this type of experience.”
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THE ASYLUM
José Negron
7:22 pm - 05.09.2025South SideDuring emotional time, Harmon back in his 'element'
It's been quite an emotional two weeks for Derrick Harmon.
The Steelers' first-round pick out of Oregon has dealt with grief following the passing of his mother, Tiffany Saine, and experienced the joy associated with turning his NFL dreams into a reality. Now, he's looking to continue on, as he prepares himself for the beginning of a new journey in a Steelers uniform.
“I'm doing the best I can right now," Harmon said following the first day of the Steelers' annual rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex this morning. "I’m in football, I’m in my element. Got my mind on a few things, but I’m OK."
Harmon said he's still dealing with the loss of someone he considered his biggest fan. Saine provided her support in every decision he's made throughout his playing career and motivated Harmon by displaying perseverance following multiple brain surgeries and a stroke she suffered during his freshman year at Michigan State.
"I'm just putting one foot in front of the other," Harmon said.
Through it all, Harmon's focus has turned toward the start of his NFL career after being taken by the Steelers with the No. 21 pick in last month's draft. He described the moment he arrived at the practice facility and saw his locker for the first time with one particular word.
“Unbelievable," he said. "It was a dream come true. Got around my guys, my new teammates and just ready to get to work with them.”
Harmon took part in drills today alongside other defensive linemen, including fellow rookies Yahya Black and Blake Mangelson, while getting to work directly with defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who he described as a guy who is "going to coach you hard," but cares about his players.
“I love these guys. Everybody’s ready to work, ready to get to it," Harmon said of his new teammates. "Everybody’s coming out with high energy in our first walkthrough. Guys are getting after it."
As he continues to progress from rookie minicamp and into OTAs, which are set to begin at the end of the month, Harmon said his focus is on helping the team, being a good rookie and finding veterans to learn from. For now, though, he doesn't appear worried about being overwhelmed with the amount of work associated with transitioning from the college ranks into the NFL.
“I’m coming from Oregon and they throw everything at us," Harmon said. "I was in the NFL and I feel like I’m right here. They prepare us at Oregon very well for this type of experience.”
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Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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