Derrick Harmon’s Mother died Shortly After Steelers Draft Him
Draft night is supposed to be one of the happiest moments in a young athlete’s life. But for Derrick Harmon, it was a bittersweet milestone that he will forever associate with both triumph and deep loss.
Shortly after hearing his name called by the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 overall, Harmon received devastating news: his mother, Tiffany Saine, had passed away.
Let’s take a closer look at this emotional story and the powerful bond between Harmon and his mom.
What Happened on Draft Night?
While Harmon celebrated the realization of his NFL dream with family and friends in Detroit, his heart was somewhere else.
His mother, Tiffany Saine, had been on life support after suffering a stroke in 2022 that left her partially paralyzed. As Harmon hugged his family and accepted congratulations, he knew that his biggest supporter wasn’t there with him.
Soon after the celebration, Harmon rushed to the hospital — but heartbreakingly, Tiffany passed away that same night.
In a statement, Steelers president Art Rooney II captured the mood perfectly:
“Though we are excited to select Derrick in the first round of the NFL Draft, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the death of his mother, Tiffany Saine.”
How Was Derrick Harmon Inspired by His Mother?
If you want to understand Derrick Harmon’s resilience and drive, look no further than the woman who raised him.
Tiffany Saine endured multiple brain surgeries and, even after her stroke, continued to work and make sure Derrick could get to practices.
Harmon shared during the Rose Bowl that he had used some of his NIL money to buy her a wheelchair-accessible van — a small way to give back to the woman who gave him everything.
“After all those brain surgeries, she did not give up,” Harmon said. “She still took me to practice, still went to work.”
Watching his mother fight through adversity taught Harmon that no excuse was big enough to stop him. Whether injured, tired, or overwhelmed, her example pushed him to keep moving forward.
How Did Tiffany Saine Shape Derrick’s Football Journey?
From his early days in Detroit to his standout college career, Harmon always kept his mother close — both literally and figuratively.
He chose Michigan State out of high school so he could stay close to her and help care for her after her health challenges. Only later did he transfer to Oregon to take the next step in his football career, a decision that weighed heavily on him.
Even then, everything he did was with his mother in mind. She wasn’t just a part of his support system — she was the reason he kept pushing, the person who taught him what real toughness and perseverance look like.
What Happens Next for Harmon and the Steelers?
As Harmon transitions to the NFL, he does so carrying both the weight of grief and the strength of his mother’s spirit.
The Steelers have already pledged their full support for Harmon during this difficult time, and fans across Pittsburgh and the country are rallying behind him.
No doubt, Harmon will play with a deeper motivation now — honoring Tiffany’s memory every time he steps on the field. His story is a powerful reminder that behind every draft pick, there’s a family, a journey, and often, incredible sacrifices.
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