Najee Harris reveals what influenced him to join Chargers

On Monday, former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. Now, Harris is explaining what led to his decision to join the Bolts. 

"Playing for Harbaugh," Harris said, per team reporter Eric Smith.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has known Harris since Harris was a high school recruit and Harbaugh was the head coach at the University of Michigan. Michigan was a finalist for Harris before he ultimately committed to Alabama. Now, nearly a decade later, Harbaugh finally landed Harris and Harris has already caught up with his new head coach. 

"We sat down chopping it up and went out to eat dinner. It's the same guy," Harris said, calling it a full circle moment. "Energetic, man. He's the life of the party. He's just a good guy to be around. He makes you feel comfortable."

Beyond Harris knowing Harbaugh on a personal level, he's well aware of Harbaugh's offensive mentality. Harris grew up near San Francisco and saw what Harbaugh was able to accomplish as head coach of the 49ers, including one Super Bowl appearance and three straight trips to the NFC Championship Game. 

"Watching him at the 49ers … I liked to see how he handled his team and what he did with that," Harris said. "I kind of see similarities in this team, just their offensive guys and what they're doing here. The type of team that they are … they're on the rise to me." 

Harris, Harbaugh and the Chargers appear to be a great match. The Chargers have a run-heavy scheme that needs a durable and physical running back, and the 6-foot-1, 242-pound Harris fits that description perfectly. Harris has appeared in all 71 straight games to start his career and is the only active player in the NFL to rush for 1,000 yards in each of the last four seasons.