Derrick Harmon faced two life-changing moments just hours apart. On Thursday, April 24, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him 21st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. But while the world was cheering him on, Derrick was carrying a heavy heart. His mother, Tiffany Saine, was fighting for her life in the hospital on life support.
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Derrick Harmon Loses His Mom Shortly After NFL Pick
After receiving the good news, the athlete reportedly was determined to get to the hospital to tell his mom in person that he made it to the NFL. Saine passed away shortly after. But getting those final moments with his mom clearly meant the world to him, considering how her support fueled his rise to the NFL.
Derrick Harmon Opens Up About His Mom’s Health Struggles
Harmon’s bond with his mom was unbreakable. In an emotional ESPN video shared on Thursday, he called her his “rock.” Saine’s health struggles were no secret either. She had a stroke when Derrick was just a freshman at Michigan State and went through eight brain surgeries over the years. Derrick kept it all the way real, saying, “It was tough, but we were used to it,” as he opened up about his mom’s relentless fight. But leaving her side to chase his dreams in Oregon? He called that “probably the hardest decision I ever made.”
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Additionally, Harmon thanked his mother for everything she’s done and mentioned that he is forever grateful for her. “I love you, mom. Everything I do is for you,” Harmon said in the video ESPN shared.
Pittsburgh Steelers President Delivers Heartfelt Message About The Passing Of Derrick’s Mom
Meanwhile, Art Rooney II, the President of the Pittsburgh Steelers, issued a statement following the heartbreaking news about Derrick’s mom, Tiffany Saine.
“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 finds comfort in the love and support from the organization and Steelers fans around the world.”
Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II: pic.twitter.com/AKDzDefoZU
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 25, 2025
Social Media Weighs In
The Roomies were just as emotional in the comments of TSR’s post, sharing their condolences and heartfelt words.
@stylin_graceatl wrote, “The fact that God allowed her to live long enough to witness this just shows how merciful He is! 🙏🏽”
@tenoesdeep commented, “She held on for your moment, she’ll forever be with you…”
@amberbypass wrote, “She made sure her baby finished the mission! Rest well momma and job well done”
Additionally, @chonteshanette wrote, “She left knowing her baby made it.. make her proud ❤️🙏🏼”
@realitythruyana added, “The strength of a mother— she held on until she knew he’d be okay. 🥹 bless his heart.”
@polishedfaces_ commented, “Jesus 🙏🏽hearing him speak of her last night had me in tears. She waited on her baby to cross into his new life and she entered hers . She will forever be with you ☀️”
@mama_cittaax4 wrote, “She held on for her baby biggest moment , a mothers love is sooo deep 🥹💙🙏🏽”
@meallionaire addd, “Damn💔😢…. The best and worst day of his life. She held on to see him through”
