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Steelers RB Najee Harris' Journey From A Simple Boy To An NFL Star
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris is the rising NFL star we should all learn more about. After all, Harris is a true example of determination, strong will, and talent, as well as being the embodiment of the American dream. He is the example that you can achieve anything as long as you put your heart and time into it. Indeed, Harris’ journey to the top might not have been the easiest one. However, he has surely proven himself worthy of the position and attention he receives at the moment. So, let’s have a look at Najee Harris' journey from a simple American boy from the East Bay, to becoming an NFL star.


Early Life for the Steelers Star RB

Harris describes his childhood as really tough. One of five children, Harris and his family moved a lot during his early years. Raised by a single mother, the family often had financial struggles and even lived at shelters at times. Such upbringing turned little Najee into a tough or, based on Harris’ words, ‘bada** kid.' Sleeping in a car and moving around to find another shelter or town to settle down was a norm during his childhood years. 

Harris was often a troublemaker at school. He would get into fights, argue with teachers, skip school, and even have the police called on him. After a few years of such behavior, his mother decided to sign him up for a football team with a home to redirect his energy into something more productive. It was a life-changing decision. 

Harris is honest about hating his first weeks in football. Hard discipline, lots of exercises, constant training, and demand were too much for a little rebel like him. However, the more time he spent on the team, the more he started to believe in himself. These first several weeks turned his life around. Now, he's motivated to become a better football player. In fact, football became the force that kept Harris in the classroom and from trouble from then on. 

High School 

For high school, Harris' family moved to Antioch, California. Known as the crime hub, this area presented a lot of trouble and wrong choices to teenagers like Najee. However, he kept his head in the game. At Antioch High School, Harris was fast to rise on the football team ranks. A young football player would sneak into a school gym early in the morning to train before anyone saw him. On one such morning, he was spotted by two team trainers - Mori Suesue and Marcus Malu. These are the people who would change his life for the better. 

School trainers recognized the financial struggles Harris had to overcome during his time in high school. They would become his biggest help and support during his high school years and remain by his side to this day. For most of his high school years, Harris would spend in the school gym, getting there early in the morning on school days or weekends. It’s a wonder how he found time for school. However, perhaps some help from Will Martins reviews on academic services had something to do with it. Overall, he tirelessly trained and practiced on the field. 

Of course, such dedication was fast to bring in the results. During his second high school year, Harris completed the season with 23 touchdowns and 2,263 yards. In his junior year, he scored 36, followed by 34 touchdowns and 2,776 rushing yards in his senior year. These results were destined to put him in the spotlight among recruiters.

Recruiting and College 

His high school football glory made him the most sought-after running back recruit. Many colleges were after him at that time, including the University of Notre Dame, USC, the Ohio State University, and more. However, Harris chose the University of Alabama and the Crimson Tide, who recruited him two years prior. 

Harris's commitment has paid off, and his college years in football were highly productive. Although his older teammates somewhat out shined him during the first two years, the situation changed after they left for the NFL. Now, Harris could dominate the field as a running back and truly show his skills. He ended his college football career with 1,891 yards and 30 touchdowns in his final year. It’s amazing what progress he has achieved over such a short period of time. Becoming one of the most promising NFL prospects in two years was a long shot, but he pulled it out. Did he get some academic help online along the way? Perhaps. Is it reliable? Well, students can find reviews and comments online to find out. 

Professional Career

In 2021, Harris was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the NFL Draft. Just finishing only his second season, his professional career has only begun; though, his name is already on everyone’s lips.

Two seasons is not enough to judge how his career will turn out. However, his life has certainly made a turn for the best. 

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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