Tiffany Saine, the mother of newly drafted Pittsburgh Steelers player Derrick Harmon, tragically lost her life Thursday night. This crushing defeat struck just a few hours after the mother’s son was drafted No. 21 overall in the NFL draft. Yet, this beautiful moment represents a bittersweet milestone for Derrick. He spent 12 years supporting his mother as she fought through her 20-year health journey that involved 2 brain surgeries and a life changing stroke.
In the summer of 2022, Tiffany experienced a serious health crisis—she had a stroke. The incident left her paralyzed on her left side, adding to her challenges. Though she struggled with the obstacles, Derrick remembered one thing about his mother—her fierce determination. He stated, “After all those brain surgeries, man, she did not give up.” Her determination to overcome adversity inspired Derrick throughout his college football career at Michigan State, where he remained close to her as she fought her health battles.
On the same night as the initial round of NFL draft, Tiffany was on hospital life support, fighting for her life. At the same time, Derrick found his potential home with the Steelers’ organization. As Derrick walked away from his draft party, he felt a mix of joy and sadness. Yet when his mother was in her last days, he immediately flew to her side. The Pittsburgh Steelers organization has since released a statement of their support and condolences for Derrick and his family through this tragic loss.
“On behalf of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization, I extend our deepest condolences to Derrick Harmon and his family during this difficult time,” – Art Rooney II
While navigating the complexities of a professional football career, Derrick used some of his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for Tiffany. In that moment, she knew he had promised to do everything it would take to keep her comfortable— even as her health worsened. He enjoyed talking about how much Tiffany’s strength inspired him. Whether he was tired or injured, he would challenge himself and say, “Why can’t I go on? She is able to push through after brain surgery!
Derrick remembers all the things Tiffany gave up to give him a better life. “She still took me to practice, still went to work,” he said. For him, her resilience became a daily reminder that dogged perseverance was a game-changer when it came to overcoming adversity and battling injustice. He admitted that it was complicated to lose someone he idolized massively. He said reconciling with his mother’s death was “a bit bittersweet” because it happened at the same time as accomplishing his life-long dream.
That’s how Derrick Harmon started his football career, inspiring the local impact funds of the Pittsburgh Steelers. With him, he carries all of the invaluable lessons that he’s gleaned from his mother’s struggles and resilience. Tiffany Saine’s legacy will continue to impact him long after he leaves the field both in and outside of it.
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