Steelers awards: Najee Harris as rookie of the year, Cam Heyward for media cooperation

The top pick became the top rookie.

Najee Harris was named the Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookie of the year for the 2021 season Wednesday in balloting announced by the local chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America. The running back from Alabama broke the franchise rookie rushing yards record and ranks fourth in the NFL with 1,172.

The No. 24 overall pick after winning a national championship at Alabama, Harris leads the NFL in touches (366) with 296 carries and 70 receptions. Harris, who has 440 receiving yards and 10 overall touchdowns, leads all NFL running backs in catches.

Harris (6-foot-1, 232 pounds) was one of a team record five rookies to start opening day for the Steelers in 2021, and four started most of the season — all on offense: Harris, tight end Pat Freiermuth, left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and center Kendrick Green (though Green did not start Week 17).

Freiermuth would have been a candidate for team rookie of the year in most seasons with 54 catches for 444 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games. Only four NFL tight ends have more touchdowns.

In the other award announced Wednesday by the PFWA, veteran Cameron Heyward was honored as recipient of “The Chief’ Award,” given annually to a member of the Steelers’ organization that best exemplifies the spirit of cooperation with the media.

Heyward joins Jerome Bettis as the only three-time winners of the award, which was established in 1988 in honor of Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr.

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