Steelers Coaches Get Honest About RB Kaleb Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson has had a less-than-ideal start to his NFL career after being picked in the third round of the 2025 draft, with his special teams gaffe against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 still remaining a point of conversation.
In that contest, Johnson failed to field a ball that bounced over his head in the landing zone and found its way to the end zone, where the Seahawks recovered it for a touchdown in the fourth quarter before going on to win by a score of 31-17.
Johnson had logged 11 snaps as a kick returner and racked up 190 yards on eight attempts before his game-changing mistake, but he hasn't gotten an opportunity on special teams since.
While meeting with the media at the start of the team's Week 5 bye, Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith revealed he didn't react to the play in real time and instead waited to deal with it while watching film.
“Connor Heyward was telling him, ‘we go over that all the time,’" Smith said. "That was before I got there. I didn’t say much on the field to him. We replaced him, and he wasn’t ready to go back out there. I dealt with it in a tape session."
Fellow running backs Trey Sermon and Kenneth Gainwell have handled all kick returning duties since the start of Week 3 while Johnson has sat and seemingly continued learning from his error vs. Seattle.
Johnson's offensive role had been minuscule over the first three weeks of the season while playing behind Jaylen Warren and Gainwell, logging just two carries for -1 yards over that span, though he finally saw an increase in his touches while the former was ruled out in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings due to a knee injury.
Gainwell handled a majority of the responsibilities out of the backfield with 25 touches for 134 yards and two touchdowns from scrimmage, but Johnson had his most productive game as a professional with six attempts for 22 yards on the ground.
Running backs coach Eddie Faulkner discussed Johnson's development thus far, stating that he has a ton of talent and that having a chance to see the field more against Minnesota should provide a nice boost for him moving forward.
“He’s doing fine," Faulkner said. "Kaleb is in a fortunate spot where he has two veterans ahead of him who are selfless and willing to help him whenever they can. He’s a great talent. There’s a growth needed there... He went in the (Vikings) game and that was a big boost for him. He was able to get a couple of good runs in there. I could feel a little bit of the pressures he had felt lifted off his shoulders."
Though Johnson hasn't been featured prominently as a rookie, there's still hope that he'll emerge as a key future piece for Pittsburgh.
Colts GM Chris Ballard Faces Cancer Battle, Reveals How Team’s Success Helps Him Fight
In a heartfelt announcement that has touched fans and the NFL community, Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard has revealed that he is currently battling cancer. Known for his leadership and vital role in building the Colts into a competitive and promising team, Ballard now faces his toughest challenge yet. Despite his illness, Ballard remains focused on the team’s continued success, expressing that the victories of the Indianapolis Colts provide him with the strength to keep fighting.
Since joining the Colts in 2017, Ballard has played an integral role in shaping the team’s future. His expertise in scouting talent and making strategic moves in the draft has made him one of the most respected GMs in the league. Ballard has built a foundation for the team that is based on both strong defense and explosive offense, and under his leadership, the Colts have returned to relevance in the NFL.
In his statement, Ballard shared that every victory the Colts achieve gives him renewed energy. “Every win we secure here in Indianapolis is a reminder of what we are capable of as a team,” he said. “It keeps me going, and it fuels my determination to push through this challenge.” His words reflect not only his personal commitment to the Colts but also his undying belief in the resilience of the team and its fans.
Despite facing personal adversity, Ballard’s dedication to his role as General Manager and his passion for the Colts remain unchanged. His battle with cancer has only strengthened his resolve, and he has continued to work tirelessly to ensure the success of the franchise. The support from Colts fans, who have admired Ballard’s work over the years, has been overwhelming, with many expressing their gratitude and admiration for the GM who has done so much for the team.
As the Colts continue to play, Ballard’s fight serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit. His perseverance through adversity reflects the same toughness and resilience that the Colts’ franchise has shown on the field. Colts fans, the team, and the entire NFL community are standing by Ballard as he battles this difficult illness, knowing that, like his team, he won’t back down.
