The NFL isn’t always patient. That’s why all eyes are on Pittsburgh Steelers Kaleb Johnson, the rookie running back from Iowa, who’s staring down a major opportunity to redeem himself after a rough preseason debut.
Drafted in the third round, Johnson came into camp with buzz. In college, he racked up 2,779 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns and All-American accolades. His production screamed "future feature back."
With offensive coordinator Arthur Smith looking to build a punishing ground game, many saw Johnson as the ideal complement to Jaylen Warren. He’s a workhorse in waiting.
But last Saturday didn’t go as planned.
Johnson logged 8 carries for just 20 yards in a preseason win. The numbers were underwhelming, and to be fair, the performance lacked rhythm. A few medium-length bursts that hinted at his downhill power and vision. But overall, it felt like watching someone overthink rather than react.
Still, this isn’t a time to panic. If anything, it’s a reminder that growth takes time — and Johnson seems ready for the challenge.
The Pittsburgh Steelers understand Week 2 of the preseason is Kaleb Johnson's time to shine
I’ve been watching this stud closely since camp began, and the one thing that jumps out more than anything else is his drive.
He wants to be great. He’s stayed late after practices, taken special teams reps without complaint. Johnson is outworking his drafted peers, Omarion Hampton and RJ Harvey, as well. He has shown more polish, more consistency, and more hunger.
That’s not just chatter — that’s what teammates and coaches have echoed in meetings and post-practice interviews. His work ethic is turning heads behind the scenes, and that's the kind of energy that earns carries when it counts.
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But in Pittsburgh, past accomplishments and hustle only go so far. This city wants results — and wants them now.
That’s what makes this weekend’s home opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers such a defining moment. It’s a preseason game, yes, but for Kaleb Johnson, it’s a statement game. A chance to show the fans, the coaching staff, and himself that he's the right man for the job.
There’s something poetic about a chance to rebound in front of the home crowd. Acrisure Stadium will be packed with Terrible Towels, and if Johnson gets into a groove, he’ll feel the city get behind him. All it takes is one drive — one breakaway run — to flip the narrative.
I still believe Kaleb Johnson will be something special. The flashes are there, and his résumé is real. If he puts it together on Saturday, this slow start will be a distant memory.
It’s redemption time for Kaleb Johnson. And maybe, the beginning of a beautiful future in the black and gold.