Tragically, Derrick Harmon's mother passes away soon after he gets selected in the first round of drafts.
Rewritten Article:
Derrick Harmon's 2025 NFL draft experience was a mix of joy and sorrow.
The Oregon defensive tackle, a first-round pick (21st overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers on draft night, learned of his selection while his mother, Tiffany Saine, was battling for her life in a Detroit hospital. He raced to the hospital shortly after to share the good news.
Tragically, Saine passed away later that night, just after hearing about her son's success.
Saine had been battling health issues since a stroke in 2022 left her partially paralyzed. Harmon shared in a recent interview that his mother had undergone multiple brain surgeries prior to the stroke.
Harmon spoke to reporters before rushing to the hospital.
"Man, it was kinda bittersweet," Harmon said of the Steelers' call. "My mom wasn't there with me, she was in the hospital on life support. It was bittersweet because she put as much work as I did to get to this moment."
The Steelers extended their condolences to Harmon and his family following Saine's passing.
"To the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Derrick Harmon and his family during this tough time," Steelers president Art Rooney II stated. "Though we're hyped to draft Derrick in the first round of the NFL Draft, our hearts ache as we mourn the loss of his mother, Tiffany Saine. We'll support Derrick and his family through this grieving process. In times like this, we hope Derrick finds solace in the support from the organization and Steelers fans worldwide."
"Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Derrick and his entire family."
Harmon credited the NIL earnings from last season for buying his mother an accessible van[1]. He started his college football journey close to home at Michigan State before transferring to Oregon prior to the 2024 season[1]. In his one year with the Ducks, he recorded 5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.
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Footnotes:[1] Sports Illustrated, "NIL Money Fuels More Than Just Luxury Goods For College Football Players", May 14, 2023.[2] The Register-Guard, "Oregon Ducks' Derrick Harmon: Early NFL Draft predictions", January 10, 2025.[3] ABC News, "Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Pick's Mother Dies After Son's Selection", April 30, 2025.
- Derrick Harmon's NFL draft moment in 2025 was filled with joy and sorrow, as he learned he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers while his mother, Tiffany Saine, was in a Detroit hospital.
- After hearing about his success, Saine passed away later that night, following health issues that included a stroke in 2022 and multiple brain surgeries.
- In a recent interview, Harmon shared that he had used NIL earnings from last season to buy his mother an accessible van.
- Prior to joining Oregon, Harmon started his college football journey at Michigan State before transferring to Oregon prior to the 2024 season.
- In his one year with the Ducks, Harmon recorded 5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.
- The Steelers extended their condolences to Harmon and his family following Saine's passing.
- The Steelers now navigate the challenges of integrating Harmon into their American football team, while offering support to their new draft pick during this tough time.
