Najee Harris Reflects on Steelers’ Culture Amid Chargers Transition

PITTSBURGH, PA — Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris, who joined the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2025 NFL offseason, is candidly sharing his experiences from his four seasons with the Steelers. Harris recently expressed his concerns regarding the team’s offensive culture, particularly its lack of leadership and direction.

In an interview with CBS Los Angeles, Harris reflected on his tenure in Pittsburgh, emphasizing the absence of veteran guidance as a significant issue. “We just didn’t know anything on offense really. We didn’t have any identity,” Harris said, highlighting the challenges presented by a young quarterback’s inexperience.

The Steelers’ offensive deficiencies were notably evident, with former offensive coordinator Matt Canada facing criticism for predictable play-calling. Even after Canada’s departure and Arthur Smith’s assumption of the role, Harris felt the team still lacked cohesiveness on the offensive side.

“My time in Pittsburgh, it was a lot of learning things, a lot of learning experiences,” Harris stated. “Playing for Mike T [Mike Tomlin], playing in that division, there were a lot of ways I didn’t even realize what the NFL was really about until I came to Pittsburgh. I feel like I just didn’t get it done. I feel like I was obviously missing something.”

Harris’ comments have garnered attention not just for their content but also for their timing. During his introductory press conference with the Chargers, he commented on the impressive facilities in Los Angeles, which appeared to contrast with his experiences in Pittsburgh. “It’s a great weight room, first of all. Even the facility, it’s all great things. A lot of things that they provide here you can take advantage of,” he noted. “I was telling them, it’s not like this everywhere, man. This is a special thing right here.”

While Harris registered four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Steelers, critics suggest that his high usage may have inflated his production rather than enhanced his efficiency. As he embarks on this new chapter in Los Angeles, he will seek to demonstrate his abilities within a different offensive system.

The Steelers, meanwhile, continue their search for stability on offense, including determining their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. As Najee Harris transitions to his new role with the Chargers, it remains uncertain if he will continue to discuss his former team’s shortcomings or allow his performance to convey his growth.