Going into the first night of the 2025 NFL Draft, many expected the Pittsburgh Steelers to select Colorado Buffaloes star quarterback Shedeur Sanders. However, the Steelers instead drafted defensive tackle Derrick Harmon from Oregon.
After spending his first three collegiate seasons at Michigan State, which saw him rack up a total of 3.5 sacks, Harmon exploded for the Ducks in 2024. He had a career-high 45 tackles and 5.0 sacks while establishing himself as one of the best defensive tackles in the nation.
And it was a good thing that Pittsburgh made the pick when they did.
Derrick Harmon Lost His Mom Moments After Being Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers
Tiffany Saine, the mother of Harmon, suffered a stroke in 2022 that left her paralyzed on the left side of her body. She was in the hospital on life support when her son’s name was called by the Steelers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Immediately following his selection, Harmon traveled to the hospital to tell his mom that his dream of playing in the NFL had come true.
She died shortly after he arrived.
“On behalf of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization, I extend our deepest condolences to Derrick Harmon and his family during this difficult time,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said Friday in a statement.
“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. We will support Derrick and his family however we can as he navigates this period of grief. In times like this, we hope Derrick finds comfort in the love and support from the organization and Steelers fans around the world.
“Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Derrick’s entire family.”
Harmon had told reporters that he learned strength and resilience from his mom, who continued to drive him to practice and support him despite undergoing several brain surgeries before her stroke.
Pittsburgh Steelers Fans Hurt for Derrick Harmon
Despite the fact that he has been a Steeler for less than 24 hours, Harmon has been embraced by the Pittsburgh faithful, who showed up on social media to give him their support in this difficult time:
this hurts my heart, prayers for him and his family <3 🙁
— Jenn McGraw (@jennifermcgraw_) April 25, 2025
Awful. God bless his family
— J. Gray (@JGrayJets) April 25, 2025
No words. Just prayers up for Derrick and his family 🙏 may she rest knowing her son made it 🕊️
— SportsMaverick (@SportsMaverickX) April 25, 2025
So sorry for your loss Derrick. The entire football community stands with you.
— 𝑩𝒊𝑮 𝑩𝑹𝑶𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑹 (@Bigbrother0G) April 25, 2025
🙏🏼 Prayers to Derrick and his family. May Tiffany rest in peace.
— Just A Dude (@JustADudeAZ) April 25, 2025
It is, indeed, heartbreaking for Harmon. What should have been the happiest night of his life will now be remembered as one of the saddest.
May his mother rest in peace.
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