On Christmas Day, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris once again demonstrated his prowess on the field, surpassing the coveted 1,000 rushing yards mark for the fourth consecutive season during the team’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. This milestone, achieved on his last carry of the game, reinforces Harris's status as one of the league's elite running backs.
Harris finished the game with 13 carries for 74 yards, solidifying his reputation as the backbone of the Steelers' offensive strategy. With this performance, he remains on track for his fourth season of 1,000-plus rushing yards, continuing to build on his impressive career stats. Notably, he entered the Christmas game with 933 yards gained over 238 carries and five touchdowns so far this season.
Despite Harris's strengths, the performance drew attention to the recent split between him and fellow running back Jaylen Warren. Earlier matches had seen Warren take the lead with 12 carries, hinting at possible changes to the pecking order within the Steelers' backfield. The Kansas City Chiefs, boasting one of the top-rated defenses against the run this season—a unit yielding just 4.0 yards per rush—presented significant challenges for Pittsburgh’s rushing strategy.
"It's disappointing [that the Steelers didn't pick up my fifth-year option]," said Harris, expressing his surprise at the team's earlier decision not to extend his contract. His statements reflect the emotional stakes involved as the team prepares for future decisions about his role and compensation. The Steelers' general manager, Omar Khan, acknowledged this move as "a business decision," adding complexity to Harris's outlook with the franchise.
With notable durability, Harris has not missed a game since joining the NFL as the 24th overall pick by the Steelers back in 2021. He ranks fifth among all rushers since his entry with 4,202 yards, surpassed only by standout players like Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley. While many share admiration for Harris’s physical attributes—standing at 6'1" and weighing near 250 pounds—his performance has been what truly sets him apart. He has averaged 3.9 rushing yards per carry so far this season.
Looking forward, questions arise about Harris's future with the Steelers. The organization faces significant decisions about his contract, especially following this season. He is set to become a free agent if the team chooses not to renew his contract, leaving fans speculating whether this Christmas Day performance will sway management's decision moving forward.
For the Steelers, who managed to clinch their playoff spot, Harris's contributions will be pivotal as they aim for success beyond the regular season. He is projected to play a substantial role in their upcoming games as they pursue home-field advantage.
Harris’s performance on December 25th not only contributes to his legacy but potentially affects his future with the team. Fans are eager to see if he can maintain his momentum through the end of the season and impress upon the Steelers' leadership his value, ensuring he remains with the team for seasons to come.
Overall, Najee Harris not only met expectations during the Chiefs matchup but also set the bar higher for the Steelers as they prepare for the playoffs. Both the team and its supporters will be watching closely to see how his performance influences the coming months.
