Najee Harris: Steelers rookie of the year is a man of few words

The Pittsburgh chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America didn’t have much debate when it came to voting a Steelers rookie for the Joe Green Great Performance award (a.k.a. Steelers rookie of the year).

While the Steelers had four rookie starters this season, all on offense, the clear top performer was none other than running back Najee Harris.

After an intro from The Athletic‘s Mark Kaboly, noting highlights of Harris’ rookie season, Harris stepped to the mic and was immediately ready to answer questions from reporters.

When what sounded like ESPN’s Brooke Pryor suggested he say a few words, Harris responded, “Oh, shoot. I need to say something? Thank you, appreciate it.”

Harris did awkwardly expand by thanking the offensive line and coaches before taking questions.

The No. 24 overall pick didn’t need to say much — his actions this season spoke loudest.

Heading into Sunday’s regular season finale versus the Baltimore Ravens, Harris has 1,172 yards rushing — fourth-best in the NFL.

Najee Harris tied a neat little bow on the season, 16 games of it anyway, with a stellar game versus the Cleveland Browns. Harris became just the second rookie back in Steelers franchise history to rush for more than 1,000 yards with the performance. On his way to a career-high 188 yards (6.7 yards per attempt) rushing, Harris broke Franco Harris’ record that had stood the test of five decades. Franco set the record in 1972 when he rushed for 1,055 yards when the NFL season was only 14 games long.

.@ohthatsNajee22 on winning the Joe Greene Great Performance Award, expectations, his leadership style, his stiff-arm technique, his relationship with Ben Roethlisberger and more. pic.twitter.com/PxVuqkjo99

— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) January 5, 2022