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Derrick Harmon Uses His $8.5 Million Signing Bonus to Give His Grandmother a “Full Circle Moment”

After cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the Big Ten, Derrick Harmon’s journey took a life-changing turn when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The rookie’s four-year deal, worth an estimated $16.2 million and fully guaranteed, includes the standard fifth-year option available for first-round picks.

 

Alongside the contract came a signing bonus of roughly $8.5 million, giving Harmon a first-year cap hit of about $2.7 million. For the 22-year-old, the money wasn’t just a reward — it was a chance to keep a promise he’d carried for years.

 

“The very first thing I wanted to do was buy my grandmother a home,” Harmon said. “She’s been my biggest supporter, and now I can finally give her something back.”

Harmon’s childhood was shaped by loss and resilience. After his mother passed away, his grandmother stepped in, working tirelessly to raise him and guide him through the challenges of life. She became both a parent and a mentor, ensuring he stayed focused on his dreams.

 

“She gave up everything for me,” Harmon reflected. “There’s no way I’d be here without her. This house is more than walls and a roof — it’s proof her sacrifices were worth it.”

Partnering with a Pittsburgh real estate firm, Harmon found a $2-million property that fulfilled all of his grandmother’s wishes — a cozy front porch, a quiet backyard, and plenty of space for family gatherings.

 

When the moment came to hand her the keys, Harmon described it as a “full circle moment” — the fulfillment of a promise made long before his NFL dreams became reality. Tears streamed down her face as she stepped inside, knowing this was now her forever home.

 

Steelers fans quickly embraced the story, praising Harmon’s humility, loyalty, and deep family values. For a franchise built on toughness and tradition, his gesture resonated with the heart of Pittsburgh.

Now, with his rookie season ahead, Harmon is focused on making an impact on the field while honoring his grandmother’s unwavering faith in him. “This is just the start,” he said.

 

“I’m here to make her proud and bring another championship to the Steelers.”

 

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Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”