Stay Connected
NFL

Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Looks To Najee Harris For Leadership | This Might Be The First Rebuild Of His Illustrious Coaching Career 

Posted by | Published on: CommentsComments (0)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are led by Mike Tomlin, the only coach in NFL history to coach 15 seasons and never suffer a losing season. That wouldn’t be possible without leadership and communication skills.

As Tomlin put it, it’s about managing the collective and earning the respect of other men. The ability to lead men is a trait not many possess, but Tomlin has that leadership quality in abundance. That’s why when he says someone is a leader you’d better listen to what the former William & Mary football star is saying.

 

In the case of second-yaar running back Najee Harris, Tomlin has great admiration for him. So much to the point that recently called him a “born leader.” During a recent appearance on “The Pivot Podcast,” Tomlin spoke extremely high of his bellcow stud tailback.

“Najee has good football morals. He sees the game the way we see the game. He wants to be a part of what’s right, and that needs to be cultivated. Going into last year, I challenged Cameron Heyward to help him grow in that way.

“We’re not only doing this with our words, but with our actions. Cam and I have opened our doors to this dude. We are showing him the way it is what that we do what we do. That dude is a bellcow, and he’s going to be that for us.”

 

Harris has always shown leadership qualities, dating back to his four-year career at Alabama. He responded to his head coach via social media.

“Got the utmost respect for this dude. Everything he speaks is the truth. I’m still learning everyday. I’m more than happy that I got these people in my corner.”

Steelers Need An Offensive Leader With Big Ben Retired

Now that franchise QB Ben Roethlisberger has retired, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are searching for their new offensive leader. With the aforementioned Heyward leading things on the defensive side of the ball, plus reigning defensive player of the year TJ Watt, Tomlin has defensive leaders. But for a young, rising offense which drafted former Pitt Panthers star Kenny Pickett to be the franchise QB, Harris’ leadership becomes even more vital.

 

 

But it’s something Harris is more than capable of handling.The 6-foot-4, 244-pound dual-threat back was challenged the same way at Alabama. Following a 2019 season which saw the Crimson Tide miss the College Football Playoff for the first time, head coach Nick Saban challenged Harris and his other seniors to get the program back on track. During the COVID-19 ridden season things weren’t easy but with leaders like Harris, the Crimson Tide were able to step up and win the CFP national championship.

In fact, Harris left Tuscaloosa with two national championships, plus many other team and personal accolades.

Harris Was Outstanding In His Rookie Season

As a rookie Harris shined bright despite an offensive line that didn’t open up a ton of holes for the burly but nimble tailback. Najee broke Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris’ team rushing record by finishing with 1,200 yards. He also showed his dual-threat ability by tallying 467 yards receiving, helping him earn a trip to the Pro Bowl as a rookie.

 

 

As the Steelers move into uncharted waters minus Big Ben, who’d been there since 2004, Harris is a great replacement to take on the leadership role vacated by Ben’s retirement.

Related Stories

Back to top