NFL Draft Pick Derrick Harmon Mourns Loss of His Mother, Tiffany Saine, After Being Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers

Derrick Harmon’s moment of triumph was bittersweet as he celebrated being drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers on April 24. The 21st overall pick in the NFL Draft, Harmon’s joy was marred by the heart-wrenching news that his mother, Tiffany Saine, had passed away shortly after he shared the good news with her.

Saine had suffered a stroke during Harmon’s freshman year at Michigan State in 2021, leaving her paralyzed on her left side. Despite her health struggles, she remained a source of strength and inspiration for her son throughout his life. Harmon spoke about how his family had grown accustomed to his mother’s medical challenges, including undergoing multiple brain surgeries while he was growing up. But the latest stroke had left her in critical condition, and Harmon was determined to tell her about his draft selection before she passed away.

In a poignant moment, Harmon shared with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he was able to visit his mother in the hospital and tell her about his accomplishment. “I went to the hospital and got to tell her I had been drafted,” he said, although the victory felt bittersweet. His mother, who had fought so hard throughout her life, passed away shortly after hearing the news.

A Son’s Dedication to His Mother

Despite the profound grief he felt in the moment, Harmon spoke about how much his mother’s strength and resilience had shaped his life. During an ESPN segment aired during the NFL Draft, Harmon recalled a pivotal conversation he had with his mother before making the decision to transfer to Oregon in 2024. His mother, living in Detroit at the time, had been recovering from her stroke. Harmon shared that she encouraged him to prioritize his own future and make decisions that were best for him.

“I sat down with my mom and we had a discussion,” Harmon said. “She told me every decision I made up to this point was for her, and it’s time to make a decision for myself.” This moment of clarity was difficult for Harmon, but it showed just how much love and support his mother had given him throughout his life. Despite the hardship, Saine’s words became a source of inspiration for her son as he faced the challenges of his career and his personal life.

Harmon’s decision to move across the country from his mother, especially when she was still in Detroit, was a difficult one. He had been there for her through many struggles, often flying back during the football season to spend time with her. “After all those brain surgeries, man, she did not give up,” he said. “She still needed practice, still went to work.” These words were a testament to the unrelenting spirit his mother had shown, and Harmon made sure to carry that same perseverance with him throughout his football journey.

A Triumph Marked by Loss

When Harmon received the call from the Steelers that he had been selected, it was an unforgettable moment that he had worked his entire life for. But as he sat with his family and reflected on the accomplishment, his mother’s absence was deeply felt. “She’s at the hospital right now on life support, so that was a little bittersweet because she worked just as hard as me to get to this moment,” Harmon said during a media call following his selection. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m very excited.”

Harmon was candid about how his mind kept returning to his mother’s condition as he received the good news. “After I get off the phone with you guys, I’m going to head straight to the hospital and tell her that her son got drafted,” he said. These words revealed the deep bond between mother and son and the impact Tiffany Saine had on Harmon’s life.

Harmon continued to reflect on his mother’s role in shaping his resilience and drive to succeed. “Always in the back of my head from the beginning of my college career was: ‘Why can’t I keep going? If I’m tired, injured, whatever it is, why can’t I keep going?’ If she can get up and she can keep going after brain surgeries,” he explained. His mother’s strength became a touchstone for Harmon during difficult times, and she was his constant source of motivation.

A Heartfelt Tribute

In a touching tribute to his late mother, Harmon shared a childhood photo of the two of them on his Instagram Story, expressing his deep love for her. “This all for you!!!” he wrote. “And I’m do what you told me I can do a long time ago. I love you till the wheels fall off!!!! .” The image was a powerful reminder of the deep emotional connection that shaped Harmon’s journey both on and off the field.

Though Harmon’s victory on draft day was tempered by the grief of losing his mother, it was clear that Tiffany Saine had instilled in her son the strength to carry on, just as she had done throughout her own life. Her unwavering support and determination were embedded in every step of Harmon’s journey, from his freshman year at Michigan State to his decision to transfer to Oregon and ultimately to his selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Legacy of Tiffany Saine

As Derrick Harmon embarks on his professional football career with the Steelers, he carries the memory and spirit of his mother with him. Tiffany Saine’s legacy lives on through her son’s strength, resilience, and commitment to pushing forward no matter the obstacles. Her influence shaped Derrick’s path in ways words can hardly capture, and as he moves forward in his career, Harmon will undoubtedly honor her memory by continuing to push himself to the limits.

The loss of a parent is always devastating, especially during such a significant moment in life. But for Derrick Harmon, his mother’s passing is not a time to mourn her absence but a time to celebrate the indelible impact she had on him. Every step he takes from here on out, every accomplishment he achieves, will be a tribute to her. And as he begins his journey as an NFL player, he knows that Tiffany Saine will always be with him in spirit, guiding him every step of the way.