Steelers rookie Derrick Harmon sends 4-word message to late mother Tiffany Saine on her funeral day

Derrick Harmon had a bittersweet draft experience, as his mother Tiffany Saine died shortly after learning that he had been drafted 21st overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers. And on Saturday, he paid his final respects to her.

Taking to Instagram Stories, the defensive tackle posted a image of her grave with the following messages:

"LLmymama (Long live my mama)"

"And they ask if I'm okay, I just lie about it (yeah)"

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Derrick Harmon commemorates his mother Tiffany Saine

Harmon had praised Saine's resilience despite multiple brain surgeries when he was interviewed during the event:

"She still took me to practice, still went to work, and in the back of my head from the beginning of my college career was, why can't I keep going? If I'm tired, I'm injured, whatever it is, why can't I keep going if she can get up and can keep going after brain surgery."

Shortly after her death, Steelers president Art Rooney II issued this statement:

"I extend our deepest condolences to Derrick Harmon and his family during this difficult time. We will support (them) however we can as he navigates this period of grief. In times like this, we hope (he) finds comfort in the love and support from the organization and fans around the world. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with (them)."

Steelers insider recounts reaction to coverage of Derrick Harmon's draft promise to mother moments before she died

The story of Derrick Harmon's attachment to his mother Tiffany Saine was one of the many topics that emerged during the coverage of the draft. Speaking on Rich Eisen's eponymous show this past Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac recalled how people reacted to it:

“I think everybody was both saddened and touched with what happened. When we talked to him, shortly after he was picked, he said 'When I hang up with you guys, I’m going straight to the hospital to tell my mom, who is on life support, that I’ve been drafted.' If that doesn’t touch your heart strings, nothing does.”

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A later YouTube video would reveal that he was by her bedside in her final moments:

About the author

Andre Castillo is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda who holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Journalism. He has over seven years of working experience and has also covered MMA with FanSided, wrestling with The Sportster, and automobiles with Hot Cars.

Andre follows the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders, mostly because he likes their colors. His favorite position is tight end, and players like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce have always drawn Andre's attention when watching a game. Bill Belichick is his favorite coach, and his all-time favorite Super Bowl is the XLII edition, when the underdog New York Giants upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

If he can change one moment in NFL history, it will be from the NFC Championship Game in January 2019. In that game, a highly controversial no-call cost the Saints what would have been Drew Brees' second Super Bowl visit, where he would have faced Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Andre is always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in a story and ensures complete factual accuracy by double-checking all information before using it in his articles. He has an innate understanding of how to present information in an efficient and compelling way.

Outside the writing realm, Andre is a professional licensed teacher. His hobbies include watching UFC, MotoGP, playing the piano, and travelling.

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Edited by Andre Castillo