The mother of Steelers first-round draft pick, defensive tackle Derrick Harmon has died less than a day after he was taken by Pittsburgh.
Derrick Harmon talks right before going to tell his mom he's been drafted by Steelers
As emotional as Harmon was excited about being picked the Pittsburgh, it was also his mom not being there that affected him.
His mom, Tiffany Saine, had a stroke a couple of years ago, but has continued to fight through hospital visit after hospital visit.
"I grew up w her having 7-8 brain surgeries,” Harmon explained. “She did not give up. From the back of my head in my college career, (I said) why can't I keep going if I'm tired, injured, if she can keep going after brain surgery’?
Inspired by his mother, Harmon said being drafted by the Steelers was a truly a blessing.
"On behalf of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization, I extend our deepest condolences to Derrick Harmon and his family during this difficult time," said Steelers President Art Rooney II in a statement. "Though we are excited to select Derrick in the first round of the NFL Draft, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the death of his mother, Tiffany Saine. We will support Derrick and his family however we can as he navigates this period of grief. In times like this, we hope Derrick find comfort in the love and support from the organization and Steelers fans around the world. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Derrick's entire family."
Watch a video from ESPN about Harmon and the relationship he had with his mom here.