Najee Harris Signs Rookie Contract With Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Tuesday afternoon that former Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris has signed his rookie contract. Harris was selected 24th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Steelers.
The contract is for four year and worth $13.1 million, which is a standard figured based on his draft position. The contract is fully guaranteed and provides the Steelers with a fifth-year team option.
Harris has quickly become a star to Steelers fans thanks to his efforts at practice and candid personality in media press conferences. He's also gotten to work in the Pittsburgh community, finding multiple opportunities to give back to the city that has welcomed him so warmly.
On the field, the work is just beginning for Harris now that the veterans are on the field alongside him.
"I am starting back to step one, all the basics," Harris said during a rookie minicamp media session. "More explosive footwork, have better eyes catching the ball, be a more explosive player. The competition level, the difference between college and NFL is two different places. The NFL you play against the best. It's all about starting with step one and building all of the way up. Every time you reach a new pinnacle in life, I want to start at step one and work my way up."
While the NFL has yet to experience Harris on the field, he goes down as one of the greatest running backs in Crimson Tide history, setting career marks as the all-time leader in rushing (3,843 yards), rushing touchdowns (46), scrimmage yards (4,624) and total touchdowns (57). In the 2020 season, Harris paved the way for the top rushing attack in the SEC to a College Football Playoff National Championship and a 5th-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting.