PITTSBURGH -- The night of April 24, 2025, was meant to be a celebration for Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon, as he was selected 21st overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Draft. However, the joyous occasion was overshadowed by tragedy, as Harmon’s mother, Tiffany Saine, passed away just hours after the announcement.
Saine, who had been battling severe health issues, was on life support at a Michigan hospital when Harmon received the life-changing news. Shortly after the draft, Harmon shared his bittersweet moment with reporters, stating, "It was a little bittersweet. My mom wasn’t with me; she’s at the hospital right now on life support. After I get off the phone with you guys, I’m going to head straight to the hospital and tell her her son got drafted." Sadly, Saine died shortly after Harmon arrived at the hospital to share the news.
The Steelers confirmed Saine’s passing in a heartfelt statement released by team president Art Rooney II on April 25, offering condolences to Harmon and his family. "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," Rooney stated.
Harmon’s journey to the NFL has been deeply influenced by his mother, who raised him as a single parent in Detroit. Throughout his childhood, Saine underwent numerous medical challenges, including about eight brain surgeries and a stroke during Harmon’s freshman year at Michigan State that left her paralyzed on her left side. Despite these hardships, she remained a pivotal figure in Harmon’s life, encouraging him to pursue his dreams.
In an emotional video shared with ESPN, Harmon reflected on the sacrifices his mother made for him. "She’s the reason why I’m here. She’s the one that did everything for me to get to this point. I love you, mom. Everything I do is for you. I’m forever grateful," he said. Harmon’s gratitude extended beyond words; he used some of his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earnings to buy a wheelchair-accessible van for her, ensuring that she could attend his games.
Before transferring to Oregon for his final college season, Harmon spent three years at Michigan State, where he was able to stay close to home and support his mother. The decision to move 2,000 miles away to Oregon was not easy. "It was probably the hardest decision I had to make. I sat down with my mom and we had a discussion. She told me every decision I made up to this point was for her; it’s time to make a decision for myself," he explained.
During his time at Oregon, Harmon emerged as one of the top defensive linemen in college football. In his lone season with the Ducks, he recorded impressive stats, including 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles in 14 games. His performance earned him recognition as a consensus second-team All-American and solidified his status as a top prospect heading into the draft.
Harmon’s resilience and determination were evident in his play, traits he attributes to his mother’s strength. "After all those brain surgeries, man, she did not give up. She still took me to practice, still went to work, and I always, always, in the back of my head from the beginning of my college career was, why can’t I keep going?" he said, highlighting the motivation he drew from his mother’s struggles.
As the Steelers prepared to introduce Harmon officially, the press conference was postponed in light of Saine’s passing. Coach Mike Tomlin expressed his excitement about Harmon’s potential, saying, "He has Steeler DNA. For us, it starts inside and up front, and this is a guy that’s capable of dominating that space versus the run and the pass." The Steelers organization has pledged to support Harmon through this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of family and community in the wake of such a loss.
Harmon’s story is not just one of athletic achievement but also of profound personal sacrifice and love. As he embarks on his NFL career, the memory of his mother will undoubtedly guide him on and off the field. With the support of the Steelers and the legacy of Tiffany Saine in his heart, Derrick Harmon is poised to make his mark in the league, honoring his mother’s unwavering dedication to his success.
