The Steelers’ newly acquired first-rounder, DT Derrick Harmon, is excited to help rebuild the defensive line in Pittsburgh — but he also clarified to the media what was weighing on his heart:

“It was a little bittersweet. My mom wasn’t with me — she’s at the hospital right now on life support. That was a little bittersweet because she worked just as hard as me to get to this moment. But it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Like I said, I’m very excited,” Harmon stated.

He also detailed that his mother suffered a stroke during his freshman year at Michigan State. She underwent brain surgeries — but a mother’s love has no limits, and she would drive him to practices anyway.

The newly drafted Steelers defensive lineman then let the local media know what his next step was — looking after his mom:

“After I get off the phone with you guys, I’m headed straight to the hospital to tell her that her son got drafted.”

Hearts are already pouring out for Harmon and his mother’s story. Here’s to Harmon’s inspiring journey to this bittersweet moment — and, more importantly, to his mother’s full and speedy recovery.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Derrick Harmon says his mom is on life support after Steelers pick