The Pittsburgh Steelers are doing everything possible to get back to their offensive roots.
While the league zigs to a more high-flying attack, all you need to do is look at the Steelers’ past three drafts to see that they are zagging to create a dominant rushing attack.
The man leading that charge out of the backfield for Pittsburgh is Najee Harris and with some of the latest news about running backs, he thinks things need to change.
Following the first day of minicamp for the Steelers, players stuck around to answer a few questions. Given the latest hullabaloo surrounding Saquon Barkley’s situation, Dalvin Cook’s release, and Josh Jacobs’ potential stand, it was the perfect time to pick the brain of Pittsburgh’s lead back:
“Yeah, man, um, you know, they say what they say about the running back. They say the position is kind of going downwards but, if you looked at some of the offenses, the running back is featured a lot,” answered Harris on behalf of the chatter around the league. “So, just (echoing) what the guys (Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs) were saying, just show a little more appreciation you know.
“Obviously it’s a rough position. What we’re asked to go through, it’s probably one of the roughest positions, said Harris. “I’m just advocating and I agree with pretty much what those guys are saying. I’m a running back myself and I’m pretty sure any running backs who will want to come into the league or just even people going around and telling them “if you want to get paid, don’t be a running back.”
“The position is an art to me, I’ll always love the position because you can do so much,” added Harris. It’s almost as if like, you’re a queen in chess. You do a lot of things to be implemented in the offense so for them (media and teams) to say the position is not as valued is kind of crazy.”
I think Najee stayed true to his reputation of genuine responses but added a terrific analogy when he compared the modern-day RB to the queen in Chess. A look around the league shows guys like Christian McCaffrey in S.F. or Saquon Barkley in N.Y. being utilized far beyond their in-between tackles ancestors.
Harris is no different. During his rookie season, the bruising back that reminisces traditional runners proved just how versatile he is, catching 74 passes on nearly 100 targets, something of a year’s work for a decent slot receiver.
So Najee just wants the respect that he and many other backs deserve. But he may be willing to do more than just talk:
“I’ve heard people suggest mini unions. Almost like a union within the union for the running backs or something, what do you think about that?” Asked a reporter:
“I mean, I’m open to whatever, you know. I understand where they’re coming from. I’m not trying to go into details of what to do, I just have to say I understand what they’re saying, finished Najee.”
Now I won’t be diving into the red tape and sea of legality that would be a “union within the union” but something may have to give between organizations and running backs.
So don’t be surprised if things are a little nutty when it comes time for Najee to get his PayDay.
