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Tragedy Strikes Again: Steelers’ First-Round Rookie Suffers Major ACL Injury vs. Panthers – Fans Blast Preseason

On Friday night, August 21, 2025, tragedy struck again in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
In the first quarter, the Steelers’ first-round rookie — seen as one of the franchise’s most promising young talents — went down with a serious knee injury and was forced to leave the game.

Steelers first-round pick Derrick Harmon carted off with knee injury -  TSN.ca

Back on April 25, 2025, the joy of being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft quickly turned into heartbreak when his mother, Tiffany Saine, passed away just hours after his name was called.
Despite that unimaginable loss, he pushed forward, determined to honor her memory in the black and gold. Now, just as his rookie season was about to begin, he may be sidelined before it even starts.

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While no official diagnosis has been announced, early reports indicate the injury could be a torn ACL — a devastating blow that typically ends a player’s season.
The sight of the rookie being helped off the field by trainers, visibly in pain, left Steelers fans stunned and silent.

Steelers film study: Derrick Harmon shows quick progress as a powerful  interior presence | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Former Steelers All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey voiced his support after the game:

“I feel for him. It’s unbelievably tough when a rookie, who already lost his mother on Draft night, has to stand up and fight for himself again. He’s truly remarkable, always giving his best, but fate can be cruel. I hope he recovers quickly. I believe this young man is destined to do something special in Pittsburgh.”

Before the injury, the rookie himself acknowledged the weight of expectations:

“Being a first-rounder, being an automatic starter as a rookie, yeah — most definitely there’s pressure. But pressure makes diamonds.”
Those words now resonate even deeper, as he faces the biggest test of his young career.

Derrick Harmon injury update: Steelers rookie leaves preseason finale after  hurting knee - On3

Almost immediately, Steelers Nation took to social media. Hashtags like #NoMorePreseason and #SteelersNation trended within hours.
Thousands of fans blasted the NFL for holding meaningless games that, in their view, only put players at risk. One fan wrote: “We keep losing players in games that don’t matter. Enough is enough.”

Steelers first-rounder Derrick Harmon balancing joy with grief -  Sportsnet.ca

The injury has reignited a league-wide debate. Some argue preseason is essential for evaluating rosters. Others insist nothing justifies sacrificing a young player’s career for an exhibition game.

From losing his mother on Draft night to suffering a potentially season-ending knee injury, the Steelers’ rookie has endured more than most players face in a lifetime.
Now the questions linger: “Will he be able to return this season?” and “Can the NFL still justify the existence of preseason games?”

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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.”