Derrick Harmon's bittersweet draft night: NFL dreams and a mother's fight for life

When Derrick Harmon heard his name called during the first round of the NFL Draft, it should have been the happiest night of his life. Instead, the new Pittsburgh Steeler stood surrounded by family, missing the one person who had been there through every step of his journey - his mother, Tiffany Saine.

Saine, who has battled serious health issues for years, was unable to attend. She's currently on life , fighting yet another uphill battle. "It was a little bittersweet," Harmon told reporters Thursday night. "She worked just as hard as me to get to this moment."

Rather than celebrating with the crowd of NFL hopefuls and cameras, Harmon had a different plan: get straight to the hospital, sit by his mother's side, and tell her he made it.

A journey built on resilience, inspired by his strongest er

Tiffany Saine's influence on Harmon's career can't be overstated. After suffering a major stroke during Harmon's freshman year at Michigan State - which left her paralyzed on her left side - she still managed to drive her son to practices, rehab appointments, and games.

"She had seven, maybe eight brain surgeries, and she still didn't quit," Harmon said, via NFL.com."She kept pushing, so every time I felt tired, I thought about her."

Even after Harmon transferred to Oregon to finish his college career, her strength stayed with him. Now, stepping into the NFL, that same determination will define his game - both on and off the field.

Back in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are thrilled to add Harmon to their defensive front, pairing him with veteran leader Cam Heyward. As reported by The Athletic, the team sees Harmon's grit as the perfect fit for their blue-collar identity.

But for Harmon, success isn't just measured in sacks or tackles. It's in living up to the example his mother set.

"She's my inspiration,"Harmon said. "Every day, every play - it's all for her."