Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon was selected with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but his joyous moment quickly turned into despair as he received the news his mother, Tiffany Saine, was in the hospital fighting for her life.
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Derrick Harmon’s journey to becoming the 21st overall pick by the Steelers was driven by the strength of his mom Tiffany ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rN4p5TavQq
— ESPN (@espn) April 25, 2025
During Harmon's freshman year at Michigan State (2022), his mother had a stroke that left her paralyzed in her left side.
And during Thursday night's draft, Derrick's mother was not able to attend, as she was in hospice.
The first round draft pick spoke to the media after his name was called.
"It's a blessing... it's truly a blessing. But it was a little bitter sweet," Harmon said. "My mom wasn't with me, she was at the hospital right now on life support. So after I get off the phone with you guys, I'm gonna go straight to the hospital and tell her, that her son got drafted."
Thoughts and prayers with Derrick Harmon. Tells Steelers media his mom missed his draft party. Because she was at the hospital on life support. Harmon used his NIL money to help her with health issues. Outstanding young man. pic.twitter.com/ivA4vBoHQY
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 25, 2025
During his college career, Harmon indicated that his mother was his inspiration to keep pushing, as she had to undergo more than seven brain surgeries.
"If I'm tired, I'm injured, whatever it is, why can't I keep going?" Harmon said. "If she can get up and she can keep going after brain surgeries. So just her resilience and her hard work... she was my inspiration."
Derrick Harmon's mother Tiffany has battled health issues throughout her life, including suffering a stroke when Harmon was a freshman.
He shared this photo and message with his mom earlier today. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/qrfuezXPxK
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) April 25, 2025
With the NIL money he earned, Harmon even helped out his mother financially, as it was revealed he bought his mom an accessible van.
🙏 🙏
Derrick Harmon used his NIL Money to buy an accessible van for his mom after she had a stroke #steelers pic.twitter.com/XJYNhK0qlV
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) April 25, 2025
And right before passing, Harmon was able to tell his mom he achieved his dream of becoming an NFL player. This story is both heartbreaking and a blessing, Tiffany Saine can rest peacefully knowing all the sacrifices paid off, as her son is playing football in her honor.
"She is the reason why I am here. She is the one that did everything for me up to this point," Harmon said. "I love you, mom. Everything I do is for you. I am forever grateful."
RIP
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