Najee Harris is a professional American football running back currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 9, 1998, in Martinez, California, Harris has established himself as a versatile and powerful back with strong rushing and receiving abilities. His journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a standout player is marked by perseverance, dedication, and talent.
Harris grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he faced significant adversity. One of five children raised by a single mother, he spent part of his childhood living in a homeless shelter. Despite these hardships, Najee’s determination to succeed and his passion for football propelled him forward. He attended Antioch High School in Antioch, California, where he quickly emerged as a dominant force on the football field. During his sophomore year, Harris rushed for an impressive 2,263 yards and scored 23 touchdowns, showcasing his explosive running ability. His junior and senior seasons saw him continue this trend with rushing yards of 2,744 and 2,776 respectively, accompanied by multiple touchdowns each year, earning him accolades and recognition as one of the nation’s top high school football prospects.
Highly recruited, Najee was ranked the No. 1 running back in the class of 2017 by major recruiting services such as Scout, Rivals, and 247Sports. He received offers from numerous top-tier college football programs, including Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, USC, and Notre Dame. After careful consideration and encouragement from peers, Harris committed to play for the University of Alabama, joining the Crimson Tide under head coach Nick Saban, a program renowned for producing NFL talent.
At Alabama, Najee developed into a key offensive weapon over four seasons from 2017 to 2020. Initially serving as a backup, he gained valuable experience behind established running backs and gradually earned the starting role. His freshman season was a modest introduction, but by his sophomore year, he was contributing significantly to Alabama’s ground game. Najee’s breakout came in the 2019 season, where he amassed 1,224 rushing yards with 13 rushing touchdowns, alongside 304 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns, demonstrating his dual-threat capability.
The 2020 season was especially noteworthy as Najee played a crucial role in Alabama’s undefeated run to a national championship. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortened schedule, Harris was a workhorse for the team, finishing with 1,466 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns, in addition to 425 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. His efforts earned him numerous accolades, including a unanimous All-American selection and the prestigious Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation’s best running back. He also finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting, a testament to his impact on college football.
Transitioning to the professional level, Najee Harris was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, taken 24th overall. He quickly adapted to the NFL’s pace and physicality, becoming the primary back for the Steelers. In his rookie year, Najee displayed impressive versatility, rushing for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns while also catching 74 passes for 467 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield made him one of the most productive and reliable backs in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl as an alternate and earned a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.
Najee continued to build on his early success in subsequent seasons. Despite some challenges and injuries, he maintained his production and was a central figure in the Steelers' offense. In 2022, he rushed for over 1,000 yards again, becoming the first Steelers player in franchise history to rush for 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. His physical running style, vision, and pass-catching ability made him a consistent threat and valuable asset for Pittsburgh.
In 2025, Najee Harris signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, continuing his NFL career with a new team and aiming to further elevate his performance and impact.
Off the field, Najee Harris is equally committed to giving back to the community. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in difficult circumstances, he founded the nonprofit organization Da' Bigger Picture Foundation, which works to support families affected by homelessness and hunger. Harris has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and community outreach programs, emphasizing the importance of education and youth empowerment.
Najee Harris’s journey from a challenging childhood in California to becoming a prominent NFL running back reflects his resilience, work ethic, and talent. Known for his power running, agility, and receiving skills, Harris has quickly established himself as one of the league’s dynamic backs. His influence extends beyond football through his charitable work and dedication to making a positive difference off the field. As he continues his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, Najee aims to build on his achievements and solidify his status as one of the NFL’s premier running backs.
Alabama Crimson Tide (2017–2020)
Najee Harris played college football at the University of Alabama under coach Nick Saban from 2017 to 2020. After limited carries his freshman year, he emerged as the team’s lead running back by 2019, delivering powerful rushing and receiving performances. Harris helped Alabama win the national championship in 2020, finishing his college career as the school’s all-time leader in rushing yards, total scrimmage yards, and touchdowns. He earned unanimous All-American honors and the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back in his senior season.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2021–2024)
Selected 24th overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris quickly became the team’s primary running back. He recorded over 1,200 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie season, leading all running backs in receptions. Harris continued to produce strong rushing and receiving numbers over the next three seasons, setting the franchise record for most consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons to start a career. Known for his balance of power and agility, he became a cornerstone of the Steelers offense and earned a Pro Bowl selection. His consistent production helped the Steelers remain competitive despite changes in the team’s roster.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025–present)
In March 2025, Harris signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, marking a new phase in his professional career. The Chargers acquired Harris to bolster their running back corps with his proven ability to impact both the ground game and passing attack. Harris is expected to bring experience and versatility to a Chargers offense aiming for deep playoff contention.
Najee Harris does not have a recorded international career in professional football. His athletic achievements and recognition are focused entirely within American football at the collegiate and NFL levels. Unlike some players who participate in international leagues or represent their countries in global competitions, Harris’s career has been concentrated in the United States, where he has established himself as a prominent running back in college football and the NFL.
Najee Harris grew up in Antioch, California, facing early challenges including periods of homelessness during his childhood. Raised by a single mother alongside his siblings, Harris’s upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of resilience and determination. His difficult early experiences have fueled his commitment to giving back to the community, particularly in supporting families facing homelessness and food insecurity.
Off the field, Harris is known for his humility and grounded nature. He places great importance on family and community, often speaking openly about how his background motivates him to make a positive impact beyond football. In 2021, he founded the nonprofit organisation Da’ Bigger Picture Foundation, which works to provide assistance and resources to families affected by homelessness and hunger, reflecting his dedication to social causes.
Najee maintains close ties to his hometown and frequently participates in community outreach efforts. Despite his rising profile in the NFL, he has remained focused on staying authentic and connected to his roots. His character and work ethic have earned him respect both among teammates and fans, marking him as a leader on and off the field.
Najee Harris’s legacy is still in the early stages but already marked by resilience, determination, and impactful play. Rising from challenging beginnings, he has become a key figure in the NFL as a powerful, reliable running back known for his versatility and work ethic. Harris has set franchise records and demonstrated consistent performance, making him one of the most promising talents of his generation.
Beyond statistics, his legacy extends to his commitment to community and social responsibility. Through his nonprofit work and outreach, Harris inspires others by showing how personal adversity can be transformed into motivation for positive change. As he continues his career, Najee is poised to leave a lasting impact both on the field as a top NFL running back and off the field as a dedicated advocate for those in need.
Pompei, D. (2021). Najee Harris: Rising Star of the NFL Running Backs. Independently published.
NFL: Information about Najee Harris’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.nfl.com
Pittsburgh Steelers: Details about Najee Harris’s career with the Steelers. Available at: https://www.steelers.com
Los Angeles Chargers: Information on Najee Harris’s current team and player profile. Available at: https://www.chargers.com
ESPN: Najee Harris’s performance and statistics. Available at: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4243596/najee-harris
The Athletic: Najee Harris’s career highlights and analysis. Available at: https://theathletic.com/nfl/player/najee-harris/
Bleacher Report: Najee Harris's journey from college to NFL success. Available at: https://bleacherreport.com/nfl/player/najee-harris
Interviews and Documentaries
Najee Harris: The Workhorse (2023): Documentary focusing on Najee Harris’s rise, training, and impact on the Steelers.
Steelers TV Interviews: Various features and interviews covering Najee Harris’s development and community efforts. Available at: https://www.steelers.com/videos
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