Derrick Harmon

Derrick Harmon (born August 3, 2003) is an American professional football defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and Oregon Ducks. Harmon was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.

Early life Harmon was born on August 3, 2003, in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Loyola High School. He was a three-star recruit and committed to play college football for the Michigan State Spartans over offers from schools such as Memphis Tigers, Ole Miss, and Purdue.

College career

Michigan State As a freshman at Michigan State in 2021, Harmon played in four games to preserve his redshirt. In 2022 he played in 12 games making five starts, where he tallied 30 tackles with three of which were for a loss, and two sacks. In 2023, Harmon posted 40 tackles with three and a half being for a loss, a sack and a half, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. However, he withdrew his name a month later. He started all 14 games that season, and was named to the second-team All-Big Ten team by the media and received second-team Associated Press All-American honors.

Professional career

On January 6, 2025, Harmon declared for the 2025 NFL draft.

2025 season

During the 2025 NFL draft, Harmon was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round with the 21st overall pick. In the Steelers' preseason finale on August 21, Harmon suffered an MCL sprain. Harmon was the second consecutive first-round pick made by the Steelers who suffered an injury that kept him from playing in Week 1 after Troy Fautanu in 2024.

On September 21, Harmon made his professional debut in a 21–14 win over the New England Patriots. During the win, Harmon got his first sack against Drake Maye. He also recorded two tackles (both solo) and recorded one tackle for loss. Harmon was ruled out of participating in Week 13's matchup with the Buffalo Bills after suffering a knee injury during the previous week's contest against the Chicago Bears. At the end of the season, Harmon was presented with the Joe Greene Great Performance Award, given each year to the Steelers top rookie.

NFL career statistics Legend Bold Career high

Regular season Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF Fmb FR Yds TD 2025 PIT 12 8 27 11 16 3.0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0Career 12 8 27 11 16 3.0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

Postseason Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF Fmb FR Yds TD 2025 PIT 1 1 6 2 4 1.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Career 1 1 6 2 4 1.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Personal life Harmon's mother, Tiffany Saine, suffered a stroke during his freshman year at Michigan State. She was on life support when Harmon was drafted by the Steelers, and died shortly after he came to the hospital to tell her about his selection.