For any player, family’s support matters the most to be where they stand today. For Najee Harris, the Pittsburgh Steelers running back, that support was his mother. Despite a rough childhood, his mother, Tianna Harris, was his pillar of strength. However, his father, Curt Harris, faced addiction challenges, leaving an impact on Najee’s upbringing.

Who is Najee Harris’ mother, Tianna?

Having become a young mother, Tianna Harris was forced to leave school to care for her growing family. Despite facing domestic violence and financial instability, she never wavered in her duty to provide for her children. Having completed her education somehow, Tianna Harris earned a degree as a medical assistant from the Phillip and Sala Burton Academy. This accomplishment reflects her perseverance and dedication to ensuring a better future for her five children.

Without Najee’s father, Curt, she raised their children alone by doing many jobs to support the family. Financial difficulties forced the family to move frequently. But they eventually found some stability in Antioch, California, where the rent was more affordable. Tianna has shared, “I wanted my kids to know that despite the struggles we faced, we would overcome them together.”

Despite wanting to stay close to Najee, Tianna encouraged him to pursue his passion for football. She recognized his potential early on and allowed Najee to attend training camps and play for high school teams. “I always told him to chase his dreams, no matter how difficult the path seemed.”

Tianna’s influence on Najee extends beyond athletics. Instilling resilience and hard work shaped how Harris approached life. Najee often credits his mother, saying, “My mom taught me the importance of giving back and lifting others, just like she did for us.” Najee has used his platform to engage in community service, aligning with the principles Tianna emphasized throughout his upbringing.

Who is Najee Harris’ father, Curt?

Najee’s father, Curt Harris, presents a contrasting story. Struggling with addiction, he was frequently absent from Najee’s childhood and family life. Once a promising football player at Grambling State University, Curt’s aspirations were overshadowed by his battles with substance abuse and a pursuit of quick financial gains. This divergence from the path of promise significantly impacted his ability to support his family.

Curt’s addiction not only distanced him from his wife, Tianna, but also from his children. Despite attempts to reconnect, including securing a construction job through Antioch High School, Curt’s struggles persisted, leading to strained relationships. He ultimately chose to relocate to Seattle, severing ties with the family he left behind. Reflecting on this tumultuous relationship, family members noted that Curt’s absence created a void in Najee’s life during their formative years.

The emotional ramifications of Curt’s struggles were profound. For Najee, knowing that his father was geographically present yet emotionally absent was a heavy burden to carry. Though he often refrains from speaking negatively about Curt, Najee acknowledges the complexities of their relationship, emphasizing an understanding of addiction and its effects. He mentioned, “It’s hard to process, but I realize that my dad has his battles, and that doesn’t define who I am.”

The narrative of Najee Harris highlights how the lessons learned from supportive figures can shape us into determined individuals. As Najee continues his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his journey from a difficult childhood to NFL stardom inspires many, proving that with strength, support, and the right mindset, anything is possible.