One of the first people to reach out to Najee Harris after he was drafted was Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. That's not unusual for Roethlisberger who routinely reaches out to Steelers rookies, but this time it's a little bit different.
For the first time, Roethlisberger needs this rookie. He needs to be able to lean on Harris to help take the pressure off of him. The offense must get more balanced or they won't win many games. Even in Roethlisberger's prime, his winning percentage when he throws over 50 passes isn't good.
So Roethlisberger and Harris connected right off the bat with dinner at the Roethlisberger residence.
"It was amazing, man. He has a nice family, too. Nice house," Harris said. "I can't even call it a house. I went to his building, his compound. I mean, it was huge."
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Harris even played with Roethlisberger's kids. It was like two old friends hanging out. But it was much more than that. It was about Roethlisberger and Harris beginning to develop a relationship that they can count on. One that they can build on.
Harris spoke about Roethlisberger's leadership qualities following practice on Saturday at Heinz Field.
"Whenever Seven's in there, it's for real. No missed nothing. No nothing or you're going to hear him.""Really, it's how he wants everyone to be accountable. He's a leader. When he goes in, you feel you've got to play for Ben. I mean, this is the real thing with Ben. Really, that's the main thing I've taken from Ben."
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If everyone buys into the demand for excellence that Roethlisberger has perceived recently, there is no restrictions on where this team can finish. He's made Harris a believer, and while Big Ben can't throw the team on his shoulders by himself anymore, there's no reason to think he can't do it with a little help from his running back that boasts a 240 lb., 6% body fat frame.
Time will tell, but I'll put my money on 7.
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