ANTIOCH, Calif. — It was hot on Saturday at
Antioch High School, with temperatures rising well into the 90s. But
Najee Harris was barely sweating.
"It feels great," Harris said. "It's home."
The Pittsburgh Steelers' Pro Bowl running back hosted his first Da Bigger Picture Foundation Youth Football Camp on the same field he starred in high school.
More than 300 kids, ages 6-18, enjoyed a day full of drills, encouragement, food and swag, the latter a nylon backpack with snacks, shirts and socks, featuring logos of the Steelers, University of Alabama and Harris' clothing line.
All received a free lunch, parents included.
Najee Harris has brief exchange with Ryan Wisely, 10.
Photo: Trine Gallegos
Among the dozens of camp leaders were former perennial All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch, Jets' defensive back and former Antioch standout
Isaiah Dunn and his prep staff, including newly-named head coach Brett Dudley.
More players with NFL ties were Raiders' offensive lineman and former Alabama All-American Alex Leatherwood and 13-year quarterback Josh Johnson, now with the Broncos.
More than 200 kids ages 6-12 worked out in the morning, while the older players sweated it out during an afternoon session. With a wide smile and upbeat personality, Harris was a kid and people magnet.
"This was great for the community," Dudley said. "(Harris) is the most popular kid to come out of the Bay Area in decades and he's pretty universally loved. These kids idolize him and he's truly a hero to them."
Just like Ryan Wisely, a 10-year-old whose dad Nick is Antioch's softball coach and a former football assistant when Harris played. Harris recognized Ryan immediately. "I've watched almost all of his (Harris) games on TV so it was so much fun," Ryan said. "I loved it."
Harris, who rushed for 1,200 yards and caught 74 passes and scored 10 touchdowns in his 2021 rookie season, arrived in Antioch early during his freshman year. He played five games on varsity, mostly on defense.
Over the next three season he piled up almost 7,800 rushing yards and finished with a Bay Area-record 7.948 career yards while scoring 99 touchdowns. He helped turn around a program that won one game in 2013 and a combined 26 victories over the next three seasons.
Marshawn Lynch had a lot of fun with the kids on Saturday at Antioch High School.
Photo: Trine Gallegos
Out of high school, he was considered the top recruit in the country heading to Alabama, where he finished as the all-time leader in rushing yards (3,843), total scrimmage yards (4,624) and touchdowns (57).
The 24th pick of the 2021 NFL Draft immediately began his professional career geared toward philanthropy, declining an invitation to attend the draft. Instead he hosted a party for kids at the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program, a homeless shelter where he spent part of his childhood.
Later that year, he founded the Da Bigger Picture Foundation nonprofit organization which provides assistance to the homeless and hungry. On Saturday, he led a day of inspiration and hope.
"Dozens of volunteers from the community helped out to make such a wonderful event possible," Dudley said. "This camp has been something Najee has wanted to do to give back to his community since he was in high school."
Najee Harris gives a little direction in the first D Bigger Picture Foundation Antioch Youth Football Camp Saturday at Eells Field on the campus of Antioch High School.
Photo: Trine Gallegos
Marshawn Lynch gives a little pull in a tug-of-war competition at the end of the morning session.
Photo: Trine Gallegos
