In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Derrick Harmon, the former Oregon defensive tackle who was recently drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, experienced a profound loss with the passing of his mother, Tiffany Saine.

Saine's journey was marked by resilience after suffering a stroke in 2022 that left her paralyzed on her left side. Tragically, she remained on life support as her son traveled to Detroit to share the news of his NFL dreams.

"It was a little bittersweet," Harmon expressed to reporters immediately following his selection as the No. 21 overall pick. "My mom wasn’t with me. She’s at the hospital right now on life support. After I get off the phone, I’m going to head straight to the hospital and tell her her son got drafted."

Harmon recalled the intensity of their shared struggles, as he grew up watching his mother endure seven or eight brain surgeries, all while she tirelessly supported him, working full-time as a hotel manager.

He credited his mother’s indomitable spirit as a driving force behind his own perseverance during his college football career. Harmon knew he had to push through challenges because of Saine’s incredible strength. He even mentioned that one of his proudest purchases with his name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings was a wheelchair-accessible van for her.

"If she can get up and keep going after brain surgery, then why can’t I?" Harmon reflected, highlighting the profound impact she had on his life and career.

As Harmon embarks on his professional journey with the Steelers, he carries the memory and motivation of his mother in his heart, ready to honor her legacy on the field.