In a candid reflection on his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, running back Najee Harris opened up about the struggles he faced after the retirement of franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Drafted in the first round in 2021, Harris navigated a tumultuous period for the team, which included starting five different quarterbacks over the span of three seasons.

As a rookie, Kenny Pickett took the helm for the majority of the games in both 2022 and 2023. The team has since explored options in 2024 by bringing in experienced quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, indicating the ongoing search for a stable leadership role as they move toward the upcoming 2025 season.

Harris' tenure was not just marked by quarterback changes; he also endured the instability of having three different offensive coordinators throughout his time in Pittsburgh.

Despite these challenges, he managed to achieve four consecutive seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards, leading the Steelers to a respectable 38-29-1 record and three playoff appearances.

Reflecting on his experiences, Harris stated, “We lost Ben and a lot of the offensive line. We just didn’t know anything on offense, really. We didn’t have any identity. It was tough to learn and grow when the team was young, and I didn’t have many seasoned players to guide me.”

He noted that the most veteran presence on the offensive side of the ball was just a two- or three-year player who was still developing his game.

Harris mentioned that he often sought insight from defensive players, which was less helpful for his offensive role.

“I tried to engage with those guys and learn as much as I could, but they couldn’t provide me with much in terms of offensive strategy. It was a unique learning experience for me, and I had to pick things up as I went along,” Harris added.

Now, as he transitions to the Los Angeles Chargers, Harris expresses excitement about joining a squad rich in experience.

“I feel like here we’ve got a lot of veterans I can learn from, especially at key positions like quarterback and offensive line. There’s so much I can gain from their experiences,” he noted.

Summarizing his stint with the Steelers, Harris described the years as "interesting" and chose not to elaborate further, leaving fans curious to know more about the highs and lows of his time in Pittsburgh.

Looking ahead, the Chargers will face the Steelers at SoFi Stadium in 2025, marking what is sure to be a highly anticipated matchup tinged with Harris' history with the team.

As both a player and a leader, he is keen to carve out a new identity and solidify his role with the Chargers, eager to leave behind the challenges that once defined his early career.