The mother of Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-round pick Derrick Harmon died hours after he was drafted in the NFL, according to multiple reports
In a news conference after his selection, he told reporters that his mother, Tiffany Saine, was on life support and that he was heading to the hospital to tell her the good news, People reported.
She put in just as much effort as I did to get this point, so it was a touch bittersweet, Harmon remarked. It was an experience of a lifetime. I’m ecstatic.
Soon after visiting her, she died in the hospital, according to The Oregonian.
According to a video posted on ESPN, Saine suffered a stroke during her son’s freshman year, when he played for Michigan State before his transfer to Oregon.
She was hospitalized and paralyzed on her left side.
The 21-year-old had been considering transferring to Oregon or staying at Michigan State, where he could be nearer to his mother.
In a conversation with his mother, she told him that “every decision” he had made up until that point was for her, and that it was time for him to make one for himself.”
He went on, “I’m here because of her.” She is the one who put in the most effort to help me reach that position. I do anything for you because I love you, mom. I will always be appreciative.