First impression of Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson after OTAs
First impression of Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson after OTAs
The Pittsburgh Steelers knew a year ago they would not have running back Najee Harris in 2025. So when the 2025 NFL draft rolled around, no one was shocked when the Steelers spent a third-round pick on former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson got his first taste of the NFL during the first week of Steelers OTAs and here are some first impressions of the player.
Johnson comes across as a very confident player who does not seem like the NFL is too big for him. Johnson was the heart and soul of the Iowa offense and you can see that level of maturity and leadership has carried over into the league. Johnson might not be the team's feature back in 2025 but there's no doubt the coaches aren't going to be fearful of putting Johnson on the field in important situations and downs.
The other thing that really jumped out about Johnson is his conditioning. There's nothing head coach Mike Tomlin wants more from a rookie than proper NFL-caliber conditioning. This will be even more important in July when training camp starts, but if this week is any indication, Johnson takes his conditioning very seriously and this is going to translate into early opportunities.
Pittsburgh feels like they got a bargain and a special player in Johnson and early returns are in and they might have nailed this one.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NBC Sports
25 minutes ago
- NBC Sports
NFLPA says it's not "actively preparing" for European division
The NFL Players Association is actively preparing for various things. The NFLPA says it's not actively preparing for a European division. In response to our item from Sunday morning item that NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell has been discussing the pros and cons of the league placing four teams in Europe, an NFLPA spokesperson said this: 'Player members are in regular discussion with the NFLPA about international games and related health and safety issues. But no one is actively preparing for a European division.' It could be a simple matter of semantics. Preparing and discussing are two very different things. Regardless, the NFL has yet to broach the subject with the union. That doesn't mean it won't. In 2022, the Commissioner spoke openly about a possible four-team European division. For now, the league's focus will be to get the NFLPA to agree to increase the maximum number of annual international games from 10 to 16. And to increase the number of regular-season games from 17 to 18 per team. In time, there very well could be an effort to put four teams in Europe. And to make those teams new franchises, which would expand the number of NFL teams to 36. With the possibility of eventually (or at the same time) moving to 40. If there will be a European division, why not have an Asian division, too?
USA Today
31 minutes ago
- USA Today
Ex-Steelers QB Russell Wilson says three qualities make HC Mike Tomlin special
Ex-Steelers QB Russell Wilson says three qualities make HC Mike Tomlin special While many believe HC Mike Tomlin's 'winning records' are overrated, ex-Steelers QB Russell Wilson would strongly disagree. Wilson, who recently appeared on the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast, was asked to explain what makes Tomlin a 'steadying force' in the NFL — and the former Steeler and current Giants QB had this to say: 'I think there are three things about Mike Tomlin that are special. I think the first thing is his ability, his obsession, and his work ethic. He's there early — at 4:30 in the morning — watching film himself. Like, head coaches don't do that,' Wilson explained. 'That's the first thing. I think the second thing is his ability to connect to players — his ability to have connectivity, his ability to relate to the Black kid, to the white kid, to the guy that's been successful, to the guy that's just starting,' Wilson argued. 'I think ultimately, the [third] thing that's really unique about him is, you know, the ability to embrace the noise — to embrace the obstacle. He stares it right in the face and doesn't run from it.' Tomlin definitely personifies hard work, relatability, and embracing challenging situations — but there's been little playoff success that has come out of it. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Hailee Steinfeld Marries Bills QB Josh Allen in Southern California Wedding
Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen are officially husband and wife. The singer-actress, 28, and Buffalo Bills quarterback, 29, were photographed walking down the aisle during a stunning wedding ceremony in Southern California on Saturday (May 31), according to People. More from Billboard Robin Thicke and April Love Geary Marry After Six-Year Engagement BTS Unveils Plans for 2025 Festa Celebration in South Korea Miley Cyrus Talks Pop Star Peers, 'Winding Down' Her Focus on Mainstream Success After 'Something Beautiful' Neither Steinfeld nor Allen had shared photos of their oceanside nuptials on social media at press time. The couple announced their engagement in November 2024 with a breathtaking Instagram post. In the snapshot, the NFL star is seen down on one knee atop a grassy ridge overlooking the water, surrounded by candles and framed by a large, flower-covered arch. The Sinners actress and Allen were first linked romantically in spring 2023, after being spotted dining together in New York City. Months later, Allen confirmed the relationship but asked The Associated Press not to mention Steinfeld by name in an attempt to maintain privacy. Earlier this year, Steinfeld opened up about the engagement during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Speaking about her new life in Buffalo, N.Y., the 'Starving' singer said with a smile, 'I have been given a very warm welcome.' She added, 'The people are incredible, it's such a wonderful, wonderful place.' Allen's Buffalo Bills had an impressive season, making it to the AFC Championship before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the Super Bowl. Steinfeld has become a vocal supporter of her new husband's team. In a February interview with Who What Wear, she playfully shaded the Chiefs when asked to name the four AFC teams. 'You got the Buffalo Bills and the Bills' three sons,' she replied pointedly. Still, Steinfeld managed to find a few kind words for the Chiefs in a Hot Ones Versus episode released the day before her Fallon appearance in early April. When challenged to compliment the team or eat a spicy wing, Steinfeld gave it her best shot while facing off against her Sinners co-star Michael B. Jordan. 'Yellow and red really complement them all pretty well,' she said to avoid eating a spicy wing, struggling to think of more things to say as Jordan laughed at her. 'They are very loud … it's great you want that from a fanbase. And third, they go hard for their team.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
