For the Pittsburgh Steelers, expectations aren’t just high — they’re sky-high. That’s the reality when your team is built to contend for a Super Bowl.
The fans and players know it, and anyone who steps onto that field wearing the black and gold can feel it.
But those expectations can be especially heavy for rookies, and right now, no one is feeling that weight more than Kaleb Johnson.
The former third-round pick out of Iowa arrived in Pittsburgh with plenty of buzz. Many analysts saw him as one of the most complete running backs in his draft class, and for good reason.
Johnson’s collegiate résumé was nothing short of impressive — 2,779 rushing yards, 30 touchdowns, and All-American honors.
His blend of power, vision, and surprising agility made him a nightmare for defenses on Saturdays.
So when Omar Khan and the Steelers landed him earlier than many expected in the draft, it felt like a steal. Steelers Nation was giddy, and rightfully so.
But as we were reminded on Saturday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars, even the most gifted prospects need time to adjust.
Johnson’s NFL debut was, by the stat sheet, underwhelming — eight carries for 20 yards, a modest 2.5 yards per attempt. For some fans, it was a sobering moment.
The hype train slowed down, just a bit.
Here’s the thing: it’s way too early to count this young man out.
One preseason game — especially the first — is hardly the full picture.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must use the Preseason to develop Kaleb Johnson
For rookies, the transition to the NFL isn’t just about the speed of the game; it’s about learning new schemes, understanding defensive disguises, perfecting footwork, and adapting to the physicality.
That adjustment takes time. Even Hall of Famers had their share of early struggles.
And Johnson isn’t built like someone who folds under pressure. In Iowa, he wasn’t handed accolades; he earned them through grit, work ethic, and consistency. He’s the type of back who doesn’t shy away from contact, who runs with purpose on every carry.
If you watched closely on Saturday, there were flashes — the way he lowered his shoulder through the hole, the extra yard he fought for when the play seemed dead. Those little moments don’t always show up in the box score, but they matter.
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I see Johnson as more than just a depth piece.
He’s a long-term investment with the potential to become a cornerstone of this offense.
Pittsburgh thrives when it has multiple backs capable of keeping defenses guessing, and Johnson’s versatility makes him dangerous.
He can power through the A-gap, bounce outside for chunk plays, and contribute as a receiver.
So yes, Week 1 wasn’t a highlight reel. But that’s fine.
That’s part of the journey. The rookie jitters, the learning curve, the welcome-to-the-NFL moments — they’re all chapters in the story he’s writing.
When September rolls around and the games start to count, I expect Kaleb Johnson to be ready. And when he gets rolling, Steelers fans will remember why they were so excited on draft night.
After all, you don’t judge a book by its prologue.