On the night of the 2025 NFL Draft, a story of hope, loss, and perseverance unfolded as Derrick Harmon, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-round draft pick, was selected as the 18th overall pick. While this moment marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for Harmon, it was also a moment filled with emotional weight. Just hours before receiving the call from the Steelers, Harmon had been facing one of the most heart-wrenching experiences of his life: his mother, who had been on life support for several days, was holding on to life by a thread.
Despite the looming uncertainty of his mother’s condition, Harmon, through his quiet determination and unshakable bond with his family, managed to find the strength to be present in a moment that would forever define his career. This wasn’t just a draft night to Harmon—it was a journey that combined the highs of professional success with the crushing weight of loss. What transpired that evening, though, was not just about football—it was about the unbreakable spirit of a son trying to share his dreams with the person who had always been his greatest supporter.
The Long Road to the NFL
Derrick Harmon’s journey to the NFL was one that exemplified grit and resilience. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Harmon had always been drawn to football. His love for the game was a natural extension of his family’s passion for sports, but it was his mother who always provided him with the unwavering encouragement to pursue his dreams. In fact, it was her endless support, even when times were tough, that kept Harmon grounded through his highs and lows.
Harmon’s path to the draft was not one of instant success. He was a three-star recruit coming out of high school, but he quickly proved his mettle during his time at Penn State. Over the course of his college career, Harmon’s talent as a defensive tackle became undeniable. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ made him a standout player on one of the country’s toughest defensive units. In his junior season, he earned All-American honors and led the Big Ten in sacks and tackles for loss, ultimately solidifying his place as one of the top defensive prospects in the nation.
However, throughout this success, there was a constant reminder of why Harmon was so determined to succeed: his mother. She had been his biggest supporter since his first days on the gridiron, cheering him on at every game, offering words of wisdom when things got tough, and pushing him to reach his full potential. It was never just about football for Harmon—it was about honoring the sacrifices his mother had made for him and ensuring that her efforts were never in vain.
But in the months leading up to the draft, Harmon’s world was rocked by an unforeseen tragedy. His mother had been diagnosed with a rare illness, one that would require months of treatment and constant care. Though her condition had been deteriorating, Harmon remained hopeful, convinced that she would recover and be there to witness his dream of being drafted into the NFL.
The Night of the Draft
As the NFL Draft approached, tensions were high for Harmon. The draft was a culmination of years of hard work, and he was poised to hear his name called among the first-round picks. But as the day wore on, it became increasingly clear that his mother’s condition was worsening. Harmon had already decided that if he were to be drafted, he would need to be in the room with his mother. He would not allow his success to come at the cost of being absent during her time of need.
His family gathered at the hospital, awaiting any update, as Harmon prepared for the biggest night of his life. His mother, who had been fighting her illness with all the strength she could muster, remained on life support, a silent presence in the background as Harmon remained by her side, clutching her hand.
When the Steelers called to inform Harmon that they had selected him with the 18th overall pick, it was a moment he had dreamed about for years. But in that instant, the joy of being drafted by a prestigious NFL franchise was tempered by the harsh reality of the situation. He could not fully celebrate. His thoughts were still with his mother, the woman who had given everything to ensure he would have the chance to live out his dreams.
Despite the weight on his heart, Harmon made a decision that would forever define his legacy. He took the phone call with the Steelers, letting them know how grateful he was for the opportunity. Then, with his mother still hanging on in the background, he made the difficult decision to tell her that he had been drafted.
“I’m going to Pittsburgh, Mom,” he whispered. “I did it. I’m going to play in the NFL.”
It was a bittersweet moment. Though Harmon was able to fulfill his lifelong dream, he knew that the woman who had been there for every step of his journey would not be there to witness his next chapter. Yet, in that fleeting moment, his mother seemed to muster the strength to smile.
Moments later, Harmon’s mother passed away, peacefully and surrounded by family. She had held on long enough to hear the news her son had worked so hard to deliver. It was a poignant and deeply emotional moment—a mixture of grief and pride that no words could fully capture.
A Legacy of Love and Perseverance
In the days following the draft, Harmon reflected on the journey that had led him to this point. The emotions were overwhelming. While many would consider being drafted into the NFL to be a dream come true, for Harmon, it was about more than just the achievement. It was about honoring his mother’s memory and finding the strength to move forward with the love and lessons she had instilled in him.
Harmon’s story became a symbol of resilience for not just football fans, but anyone who has had to face hardship while trying to achieve their dreams. The NFL Draft is often seen as a moment of triumph, but for Derrick Harmon, it was a reminder of what truly mattered: family, love, and the determination to overcome adversity, no matter the circumstances.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, who had selected Harmon with their first-round pick, released a statement shortly after the draft, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment. They spoke not just of his football abilities but of his character and strength. Steelers general manager Omar Khan expressed his admiration for Harmon’s perseverance, saying, “Derrick’s journey has been one of true determination. We are honored to welcome him to the Steelers family, and we know that his resilience both on and off the field will serve as an inspiration to all of us.”
In the months that followed, Harmon’s life began to take shape as a professional athlete. He was immediately thrown into training camp with the Steelers, where he quickly made his mark as one of the most dominant defensive linemen on the roster. But even as he adjusted to the speed and intensity of the NFL, Harmon carried with him the legacy of his mother’s love and the determination to make her proud.
His rookie season was a testament to that determination. Harmon played in all 16 games and recorded an impressive 8 sacks, quickly establishing himself as a key player in the Steelers’ defense. Fans were captivated by his on-field performance, but it was his story off the field that truly endeared him to Pittsburgh. His interviews were filled with gratitude and humility, and it was clear that, despite his success, he remained grounded by the love and sacrifices of his mother.
A Tribute to His Mother
Derrick Harmon’s story is one of hope and heartbreak, but it is also one of love, sacrifice, and resilience. He is now living his dream, but it is a dream shaped by the memory of a mother who believed in him even when the world seemed uncertain. Harmon’s ability to share his greatest achievement with her before she passed away will forever remain one of the most poignant moments in NFL Draft history.
As Harmon continues his career with the Steelers, he knows that his mother’s presence will always be with him, whether he’s lining up on the defensive line or standing on the sidelines. She may no longer be physically present, but her spirit will forever guide him as he plays the game she always believed he was destined for.