Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris responded calmly to Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin calling him “soft” after Week 4.
Being called soft by an opponent is never ideal, but Harris seemed unbothered by the remark on October 3.
When asked by reporters if he had any reaction to Franklin’s comment, Harris simply smiled and said, “No.”
“He’s a great player, man. Great player. We were going back and forth at it all game,” Harris shared with the media, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “Competition, man. It is what it is. I tip my hat in victories and defeats. So, when I saw the comment, I just laughed.”
“You can talk whatever you want. It is what it is. You can’t win them all.”
Franklin’s “soft” remark came on X (formerly Twitter) in response to a Colts fan stating that Indianapolis’ defense had “owned” Harris on September 29. Franklin replied, “Kid is soft. 84 run harder.”
The “No. 84” Franklin referred to was Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson.
Patterson rushed for 43 yards on six carries, averaging 7.2 yards per run against the Colts. In contrast, Harris managed just 19 yards on 13 carries, averaging under 1.5 yards per attempt.
Steelers’ Najee Harris Laughs Off Harsh Criticism Harris’ reaction to Franklin’s diss could be interpreted in two ways.
On one hand, Harris has previously supported the idea that winners earn the right to brag, while losers must accept defeat. After rushing for only 19 yards and the Steelers falling 27-24 to the Colts, Franklin could claim those bragging rights.
Perhaps Harris’ comment about them “giving it” to each other during the game was true, and Franklin’s tweet was just an extension of that.
Moreover, Harris demonstrated sportsmanship by not engaging in a war of words through the media.
On the other hand, one NFL player calling another “soft” on social media doesn’t sound like lighthearted banter to many. It’s a serious dig, and some Steelers fans might not appreciate Harris brushing it off.
Harris’ 1.5 yards per carry in that game was his worst average since December 2021. So far this season, he’s averaging 3.4 yards per rush, which is below his 4.1-yard average from last year.
Can Harris Rebound Against the Cowboys? Harris has a favorable matchup in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys, whose run defense ranks among the worst in the NFL.
Three of Dallas’ first four opponents averaged at least 4.9 yards per carry.
However, the Cowboys’ run defense made significant strides last week, holding the New York Giants to just 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Dallas also has extra time to prepare, having last played on Thursday, September 26.
While Harris could break out against the Cowboys, it’s far from guaranteed. The Colts, who have the 31st-ranked run defense, had no trouble containing him.
The Steelers will be hoping for a different outcome against Dallas.
