Derrick Harmon’s world was greeted by both triumph and tragedy. Selected 21st overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft, the talented defensive lineman was on top of the world to have at last achieved his life-long dream. But mere hours after being able to tell his mother, Tiffany Saine, who was on life support at a Detroit hospital, about the thrilled news, Harmon faced a crushing blow. Saine, Harmon’s “rock,” passed away that evening.
It was a moment that captured the bittersweet reality of life — a dream realized, a goodbye said too soon.
Harmon’s relationship with his mother was the foundation of everything he achieved. Raised in Detroit by Saine, a single mother, Harmon often spoke about her strength and sacrifice shaping the man he became.
It wasn’t easy for their journey. In 2022, Saine underwent a severe stroke that partially paralyzed and left her unable to walk while Harmon was a freshman at Michigan State. It was the latest setback for a protracted struggle—Tiffany had been through up to eight surgeries on the brain throughout the years.
Despite the toll on her body, Saine’s spirit never wavered. She continued to encourage her son, cheering him on from afar, even when attending games in person became impossible.
Driven by love and loyalty, Harmon made the choice to stay close. Though recruited by schools across the country, he enrolled at Michigan State so he could be just a short drive from home. His priority was clear: football was important, but family came first.
Later, with Saine’s blessing, Harmon transferred to Oregon to chase bigger dreams. She encouraged him to make the decision for himself, famously telling him,
“Every decision I’ve made up until now has been for you. It’s time to make a choice for yourself.”
Even while pursuing his football career, Harmon found ways to give back to the woman who had given him everything. Using his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) earnings, he bought a wheelchair-accessible van for his mother before his final college season, making it easier for her to maintain some independence.
“I just wanted to make life a little easier for her,”
Harmon said during a media interview earlier this year.
“After everything she’s done for me, it was the least I could do.”
That same selflessness was on full display on draft night.
On April 24, 2025, Derrick Harmon’s name was called during the first round of the NFL Draft. Surrounded by family and friends at his draft party in Detroit, Harmon took a phone call that changed his life—the Pittsburgh Steelers wanted him.
Smiling through tears, Harmon celebrated the moment, but his mind was elsewhere. His mother, critically ill, remained in a hospital nearby.
Without hesitation, he left the party and rushed to her bedside.
“I’m going to head straight to the hospital and tell her that her son got drafted,”
Harmon told reporters just after hearing his name called.
He made it in time. He shared the news, told her he loved her, and sat with her during those precious final hours. Later that night, Tiffany Saine passed away at the age of 44.
The Steelers confirmed her passing the next day.
The Pittsburgh Steelers organization moved quickly to support their new player. Team president Art Rooney II released a heartfelt statement:
“Though we are excited to select Derrick in the first round of the NFL Draft, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the death of his mother, Tiffany Saine. We will support Derrick and his family however we can as he navigates this period of grief.”
Across the NFL community, fans, players, and media figures offered their condolences. Many praised Harmon’s strength, not just on the field, but in how he handled unimaginable pain with grace and dignity.
On social media, thousands of messages poured in, celebrating Harmon’s perseverance and the deep bond he shared with his mother.
Harmon’s road to the NFL involved sacrifice, difficult decisions, and unbreakable devotion. He shone at Detroit Loyola High School and all-state honors, and remained local at Michigan State. He then flourished at Oregon, playing every game last season, being named to the second-team All-American team, and recording 55 pressures and leading all FBS interior defensive linemen.
He impressed pro scouts not only by his size and ability but also by the type of character that rosters hope to bring to their locker rooms. Now that he embarks on his career, Harmon takes with him the lessons from his mom — heart, loyalty, and resilience.
