Alabama running back Najee Harris is proof that chasing your dreams is worth it.
During Thursday’s NFL Draft, Harris was selected 24th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before celebrating the huge personal win for himself, he turned to the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program homeless shelter in California where he lived for several years as a kid.
Harris, his parents, and four older siblings all lived in a room at the shelter back in 2010 while struggling with homelessness. Because of his memories of the place, and how much it helped his family, Harris wanted to give something back to the shelter. So he sponsored a NFL draft party for the kids living there. The party had pizza, chicken, football-themed decorations, cupcakes, and goodie bags.
And yes, Harris was there for the party. He took photos and hung out with all the families that lived there. Shelter manager Siu Laulea who worked with Harris back in 2010 told KXAN news, “He did not let his situation dictate his future. It makes me feel proud and makes me enjoy my job more because I know I made a difference in someone’s life.”
Alabama RB & top draft prospect Najee Harris returned to GRIP shelter in Richmond today to sponsor a draft party for the kids. Harris was a child when his family of 7 lived here while dealing with homelessness. Now he’s going to the NFL. What a success story.@kron4news #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/IV9y81QvBV
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) April 30, 2021
Another reason to love Najee Harris – today while throwing a party for kids at a homeless shelter, he posed for photos with every person, even the pizza delivery driver who pulled up when Najee was leaving. & then he changed in the parking lot😂 @kron4news #NFLDraft #Steelers pic.twitter.com/RDRv46xVSn
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) April 30, 2021