Former Alabama star who famously 'Bumped heads' with Nick Saban lands new NFL contract
Not all of Nick Saban's players loved his intense style while at Alabama, but his methods certainly produced many successful talent, coaches, and on-field results. One of the best examples is Najee Harris. Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris was just signed to a one-year, $9.5 […]
Not all of Nick Saban's players loved his intense style while at Alabama, but his methods certainly produced many successful talent, coaches, and on-field results. One of the best examples is Najee Harris.
Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris was just signed to a one-year, $9.5 million deal with Jim Harbaugh's Los Angeles Chargers.
Harris finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy race in 2020 and was an All-American for his efforts. He was incredibly productive with the Tide, pulverizing opponents for 3,843 yards and 46 touchdowns on 638 career carries.
Now 27, Harris was a good but unspectacular player with the Steelers behind a bad offensive line. He was a workhorse, reaching the 1,000-yard mark each season.
Despite his success, Harris was not always excited to play for Saban. He said in 2022, they "bumped heads" all of the time. His tune changed a bit to be more grateful for the positive outcomes he learned from Saban.
“Nick did a lot,” Harris said. “I remember my first time meeting Nick, he came all the way down to California, in the hood. … He came to my house. I had a small little hut and he was chopping it up with me. He was a good guy.
“My four years in Alabama, he taught me a lot about the Xs and Os and what to expect in the NFL. We had a lot of meetings, just 1 on 1 of things I needed I to work on and just improve on my game. Just really how to become a first-rounder for a running back, even though a lot of people don’t like that. He really elevated me in a way.
