Kaleb Johnson wows Steelers fans, media early into NFL career
Kaleb Johnson was a star last season for the Iowa football team.
After a good freshman season with the Hawkeyes, Johnson saw his playing time dip as a sophomore, receiving only 117 carries in 2023 compared to 151 in 2022. He entered his junior season with a lot to prove, especially after a suspension kept him out of the first half of the season opener. What happened next was something no one expected.
Johnson exploded in 2024, getting 240 carries and rushing for 1,537 yards and a school record 21 touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He was named an All-American for his efforts and was generally regarded as the second-best running back in the entire nation behind Boise State's Ashton Jeanty. That season catapulted him into NFL Draft discussions, and he was eventually taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2025 draft.
And it seems Johnson is already impressing his new team, media, and fans.
The Steelers opened training camp on Thursday, where everyone got to see their first real glimpse of Johnson in the NFL, playing alongside Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf. And social media was absolutely buzzing about his performance on the opening day of training camp.
Social media reacts to Kaleb Johnson at Steelers' training camp
Huge run from rookie Kaleb Johnson #steelers #nfl pic.twitter.com/Al8kDYaccL
I'm hesitant to call anything a big run given there's no pads, but one thing I'll say is Kaleb Johnson absolutely flies when he gets into open grass.Serious build up speed.
I can't tell yinz how GOOD it feels having a RB that can hit the hole with a quick burst and FLY.Kaleb. Johnson.
Kaleb Johnson's acceleration gets a 'woah' from the crowd as he bursts through the line for a long touchdown run. #Steelers
It seems like Johnson is showing Steelers' fans what Hawkeye fans have known for a while: he's a big play threat with elite burst and acceleration. While he's still listed as the primary backup to Jaylen Warren, Johnson should see a lot of playing time in 2025 and will have a chance to battle for that starting spot very soon.
Iowa fans will have a chance to see Johnson play as a Steeler for the first time on August 9, when Pittsburgh opens preseason play against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
27 minutes ago
- USA Today
Alabama football 2025 season preview, predictions: Abduall Sanders Jr.
A new face to the program this fall, Abduall Sanders Jr. enters his first collegiate season with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2025. Part of Alabama's 2025 recruiting class, Sanders is yet another name on the Crimson Tide's roster out of national powerhouse Mater Dei High School in California, the same program that has produced other defensive standouts such as Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown. As for Sanders in particular however, the talented freshman's role in 2025 is likely an unknown, as the linebacker has multiple names sitting ahead of him on the depth chart. Even despite this, could Sanders still make an impact this season? Here is everything you need to know about Alabama inside linebacker Abduall Sanders Jr. entering the season. Abduall Sanders Jr. player information Abduall Sanders Jr. career stats Sanders is currently entering his first season of college football. The linebacker has yet to compile any collegiate stats. Abduall Sanders Jr. 2024 stats Last season, Sanders was a senior at the prep level where he attended Mater Dei High School in California. Across 13 games, Sanders compiled 50 tackles, six TFL, three sacks, and two interceptions. Abduall Sanders Jr. recruiting ranking Per the 247Sports Composite rankings, Sanders was considered as the nation's No. 312 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class, as well as the No. 33 linebacker nationally. A four-star prospect, Sanders also committed to the Crimson Tide in March 2024, and was considered the No. 27 player in the state of California where he attended Mater Dei High School. Abduall Sanders Jr. 2025 season outlook It is likely an unknown as to how much time Sanders could see defensively this season. As to why, that is because Alabama has three names cemented at the top of the depth chart at inside linebacker in Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson, and Nikhai Hill-Green, along with a few others, including Sanders, behind that trio. Because of this, playing time could be hard to come by for Sanders this fall, but the freshman could still be a special teams option, in addition to a reserve inside linebacker. Overall, expect Sanders to see some action this season, but for the true freshman to likely be a depth option. Abduall Sanders Jr. 2025 season prediction Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
New York Times
28 minutes ago
- New York Times
Fantasy football rankings: Bijan Robinson, Ja'Marr Chase lead the top 100
The Big Board takes into consideration past returns, current situation/performance and expected future gains in determining who should be included among the Top 100 fantasy football players. Essentially, the Big Board is a cheat sheet designed for a GM who is planning to participate in a draft today. Half-point PPR scoring for a 1QB league format is used as the baseline for the Big Board. * Player notes provided for the Top 50 players At age 23, he's the perfect vintage NFL RB — a do-it-all back, who was No. 1 in Touch% inside the 10-yard line, No. 2 in touches, No. 4 in RB targets, No. 5 in EPA per rush. A chain-moving target hog, Chase led the NFL in targets, first downs and catches of 10+ yards in 2024. Among WRs, only Odell Beckham Jr. and Justin Jefferson have scored more PPR points through the first 62 games of an NFL career than Chase. He gives away a few more touches than Robinson does in ATL, but he checks all the same boxes as a young (age 23), elite, dual-threat RB — 8 TDs of 10+ yards, 11 TDs inside the 5-yard line, 9.9 yards/rec (second-most among RBs with 30+ receptions). His offense is a Rolls Royce, and he's earned this spot (if not higher) after an epic 2024 campaign. But beware history hasn't been kind to RBs the season following a 400-carry campaign (inc. playoffs), and he's unlikely to again offset losing goal-line carries by scoring another 9 rushing TDs of 10+ yards. (That would be unprecedented.) Despite seven DNPs in 2023, Jefferson still ranks No.1 in receiving yards and PPR PTS in NFL history among WRs through the first five seasons of a career. He's also No. 3 in receptions. Jefferson's 28 catches of 20+ yards in 2024 was seven more than the second-place finisher (Darnell Mooney, 21). The past four RBs to be drafted with a top-six pick (Saquon Barkley, Leonard Fournette, Ezekiel Elliott, Trent Richardson) have finished no worse than eighth in PPR PPG in their rookie season, with Barkley (RB1) and Elliott finishing in the top 3. Jeanty has a clear runway to finish among the top five RBs in carries and targets. One of 14 RBs in NFL history to average 17.3 PPR PPG in each of their first two seasons (min. 10 games each season) — Achane won the RB receiving triple crown: most catches (78, 10 more than any other RB), receiving yards (592) and TD receptions (6). He led NFL in target share (30.7%) and averaged 7.3 catches per game as a rookie, and the NYG QB ceiling has been raised for his second year in the league. Lamb was the fantasy WR1 in 2023, and was top-5 in FPPG at WR from Weeks 1-9 while Dak Prescott was healthy. At just 26 years old, with Dak back and George Pickens in tow to help keeps defenses honest, Lamb should be back among the cream of the WR crop. He's one of three players in NFL history with 115 catches, 1,250 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. He's also one of three with 400+ catches in his first four NFL seasons, and St. Brown leads the NFL in first-down receptions over the past three seasons. There are no tush push concerns in Baltimore, as Henry easily led the NFL in Touch% inside the 2-yard line (80%) — he posted the fourth-most PPR points in NFL history by a RB in his 30s. Like a shot of Wild Turkey 101 and a beer chaser, CMC is perhaps best taken at the turn, where you can immediately follow the pick with something to soothe the "burn" of selecting a 29-year-old who has played seven games or less in three of the past five seasons. That said, he was a league winner in those other campaigns. Do you feel lucky? PFF's highest graded WR of 2024, Nacua has the second-most catches (184, behind only Odell Beckham's 191) through a player's first 28 NFL regular-season games. (He had 7+ catches in 14 of those contests). TD upside is the issue, as he is outside the top 50 in target share inside the 10-yard line for the past two years, and new teammate Davante Adams is first in that span. He's tops on the "My Guys" list for 2025. London easily led WRs in target share inside the 5- and 10-yard lines, was third in overall target share and was an all caps ALPHA in three games with QB Michael Penix (led the NFL with 352 receiving yards and was fourth with 22 receptions from Weeks 16-18). Thomas was top-8 in target share (top-6 in target share inside the 5-yard line) and averaged 22.9 PPR PPG over his final six games of 2024. Only Ja'Marr Chase was better at WR in that span. Among the elite talents at WR, Collins has some fantasy headwinds to overcome in terms of target share (outisde the top 30 at WR the past two years) and red zone targets (outside the top 25 over the past two years combined). Only Jahmyr Gibbs posted more fantasy points at RB over the final three weeks of 2024 than Taylor, who averaged 21.6 carries per game, but the rub is a three-year average of 5.3 DNPs and 21.2 receptions. His 9 TDs from inside the 2-yard line led all RBs, and he closed 2024 season with a TD in nine straight games (inc. playoffs). But as the only RB to have at least 260 touches in each of the past six seasons, mileage concerns have to be in the back of your mind. Williams was the top bell cow of 2024, as he led RBs in Touch% (78.8%). He's topped 13 PPR PTS 22 times (in 28 total games) over the past two seasons, trailing only Derrick Henry (25) and Bijan Robinson (23) among RBs. Brown has netted a PPR PPG mark of 16.5 or better each of the past three seasons -- Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb and Amon-Ra St. Brown are the only WRs who have matched that. He was the No. 8 WR in PPR PPG in Weeks 8-18, outpacing fellow standout rookies Brian Thomas and Malik Nabers in that 10-game span. McConkey flashed chain-mover talents with the fifth-most catches of 10+ yards (49). He gets a significant QB upgrade in Year 2 (Geno Smith) after setting rookie TE records for targets (153), receptions (112) and receiving yards (1,194) despite catching passes from a Minshew/O'Connell/Ridder QB trifecta (or, if you will, "tri-inefecta"). His 5.4 YPC is the third-highest mark among rookie RBs (min. 200 carries) in NFL history, and he had fourth-lowest percentage of carries of zero or negative yards (14%). He's earned a 300-touch leading role, but can he hold up to it? Jackson finished as the No. 1 fantasy QB for the second time in his career, and it followed a top-4 finish in 2023. Among QBs, he ranks first in rushing yards (1,736), third in passing TDs (65) and fourth in rushing TDs (9) over the past two seasons. Once Cincy finally leaned into him as their bell cow, Chase was RB6 in those 13 games from Weeks 4-17 — the 18.3 PPR PPG mark during that span would have placed him top-5 among RBs for full 2024 season. McBride led all TEs in target share and was fourth overall behind WRs Nabers, Jefferson and London. His three 12-catch games in 2024 set a TE single-season NFL record, and he was the only player at any position in 2024 with more than one such game. Only a season removed from being the No. 2 fantasy WR, and despite playing with a wrist injury all season (surgically repaired in February), he still put up mid-level WR2 production in games Tua Tagovailoa started. Allen become Mr. Reliable with just one DNP over the past six seasons and averages of 31 passing TDs, 4,060 passing yards and 9.5 rushing TDs in that span. He finished in the QB top-3 in each of the past five season seasons. Buffalo's desire to keep QB Allen out of harm's way resulted in a TD spike for Cook (18, double his first two seasons combined) as he handled 13 carries inside the 5-yard line (the most by a RB in the Allen Era). He has averaged 4.9 YPC and 9.1 YPR over his first three NFL seasons. The past four NFL RBs to average at least those thresholds through the first three seasons (min. 300 carries, 45 receptions) were Jamaal Charles, Adrian Peterson, Larry Johnson and Barry Sanders. In his 10 games played from Weeks 4-17, only teammate Ja'Marr Chase averaged more PPR PPG than Higgins' 20.6 mark. Only 26 years old, he's one of just 16 WRs in NFL history to average at least 11.4 PPR PPG (min. 12 games per season) in each of first five NFL campaigns. Slot machine (NFL leader in slot snaps) enjoyed a 2024 breakout, posting the sixth-best PPR PTS at WR from Weeks 2-16. He reached 100 catches for the first time and had a Rec% of 75.2, third-best among WRs with 100+ targets. Daniels had the second-most fantasy points by a rookie QB (behind 2011 Cam Newton). His 891 rushing yards were the most by a rookie QB in NFL history. The secret sauce was staying on the field (NFL-high 66 plays per game), thanks to the sixth-highest Comp% and league-high 73 scrambles. He finished as TE1 for first time in 2024 and is again likely to be heavily leaned on with Deebo Samuel gone and Brandon Aiyuk recovering (ACL/MCL). His fantasy finishes at TE in PPR PPG for the past seven seasons looks like this: 1, 6, 2, 3, 3, 2, 3. Strong TD (8) and reception (46) tallies helped keep his name in the RB1 mix, but his efficiency was down and he missed six games. There's optimism for a rebound in his rushing metrics, though, as new OC Klint Kubiak has been talking up Walker's fit as Seattle moves to a run-heavy outside zone blocking scheme. He has 13 DNPS over the past four seasons and is in his age-30 season, but he finished fifth in PPR PPG at RB in 2024 and is clearly positioned to once again be the focal point of the NOLA offense. Despite persistent injury and team environment headwinds, Hall has managed to average more than 16 PPR PPG through his first three seasons. His next battle might be a backfield timeshare with Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. Coming off his first top-10 finish among WRs in PPR PTS, Wilson joins elite company (Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Michael Thomas, Odell Beckham Jr.) as one of just five WRs in NFL history with 80+ catches, 1,000+ receiving yards in each of first three NFL seasons. There's plenty left in the tank as he proved after acclimating to the Jets after a midseason trade (WR4 over the final 10 weeks). Adams leads the NFL in target share inside the 10-yard line over the past two seasons. A contract dispute threatens to dampen spirits for McLaurin, who is coming off his first WR top-10 fantasy finish (No. 7 in PPR PTS), which included leading the league in contested catches (24) and receptions of 50+ yards (5), plus four games with 2 TDs. Hampton joined Ashton Jeanty as only RBs picked in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Opportunities should be plentiful with an LAC team that ranked top-10 in percentage of rush plays and dealing with uncertainty around an eye injury to vet FA signing Najee Harris. Conner posted a career-high in games played (16) and total yards (1,508) and was a metrics darling, be they advanced or otherwise. He's averaged at least 15.4 PPR PPG in each of the past four seasons, something that only Joe Mixon can match at the RB position. The "tush push/brotherly shove" stay of execution keeps Hurts' elite fantasy QB status intact. He has 35 rush TDs in past four seasons, nine more than second place (Josh Jacobs, 23), and his three seasons with 13+ rush TDs is sixth-most in NFL history. He has 1,000+ receiving yards in each of his 11 NFL seasons, second-most to Jerry Rice (14), and only Rice (13), Randy Moss (9) and Terrell Owens (9) have more seasons of 1,000+ receiving yards and 8+ TDs than Evans (8). Burrow was second in Comp% above expected in 2024 and had 71 pass attempts inside the 10-yard line in 2024, 22 more than second-place Patrick Mahomes. When healthy, he's a bankable top-5 fantasy QB, with averages in the three seasons he's played 16+ games of 4,668 passing yards, 37 passing TDs, 3 rushing TDs. Metcalf was just WR31 in half-PPR PPG in 2024, but was among the top 23 in three of the previous four seasons, and Aaron Rodgers sustained two WRs (Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams) at that level for NYJ last season. Sutton finished top-15 in PPR PTS at WR for first time in his career. He's thrived in the red zone under Sean Payton, as only Mark Andrews (17) has more TD grabs than Sutton (14) from inside the 20 during the past two seasons. In the past six seasons, Moore has finished between WR6 to WR25 in PPR PTS despite never playing for a team that ranked above average in points or yards. New HC Ben Johnson offers his best hope yet in terms of offensive upside. Hubbard was RB9 in a 14-game span from Weeks 2-16 and should maintain lead role, but you have to wonder if Rico Dowdle or rookie Trevor Etienne will take some third-down work. Hubbard averaged an NFL-low 4.0 yards per catch and 5.7 yards after catch (second-lowest at RB). He was a disappointing WR30 in his rookie season and was 77th among WRs (min. 50 targets) in Catch% and 64th in Contested Catch%, and 42nd in Catch% on passes of 20+ yards (min. 10 targets). Drafting him as a WR2 means buying into the talk of changes in physique (added 10 pounds of muscle), confidence and how he'll be used on the field. Worthy stepped up as a go-to option in the KC passing game in the second half of his rookie campaign — just 20 catches through his first nine games, but 58 receptions in his final 10 contests (inc. postseason). He also flashed versatility with a WR-high three rushing TDs. With a likely lengthy Rashee Rice suspension, Worthy should see plenty of time in KC's offensive spotlight this season. (Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; Top photos: Brooke Sutton, Jeff Dean/AP Photo)
New York Times
28 minutes ago
- New York Times
Bengals RB Zack Moss grapples with NFL future following broken neck
CINCINNATI — Zack Moss' wife, Jess, always goes to training camp with him. Since Moss was drafted in the third round by the Buffalo Bills in 2020, his college sweetheart never missed. As training camp arrived this year, however, the decision was different. Moss looked at Jess and his growing family of 2-year-old son, Xavien, and 2-month-old daughter, Promise, while at his home in Utah, and recognized the situation had changed. They had to stay behind. Advertisement 'We are in a phase of life where other things take priority right now,' Moss said. 'She's doing a great job with that. I'm doing my job to the best of my ability right now. Hopefully things work out.' Currently, hope is the primary plan for the 27-year-old running back. On Nov. 1 of last year, two days before the Bengals were set to play the Las Vegas Raiders, Moss learned his neck was broken in three places. He spent the next two months in a neck brace. Doctor's orders demanded minimal movement. 'I've pretty much been a couch potato since November,' Moss said. With five NFL seasons and $9.2 million in career earnings, Moss needed to decide if he still wanted to be a football player. Playing in the NFL is scary enough. Playing in the NFL while rehabbing from a broken neck and raising two young children is downright terrifying. When Moss spoke with head coach Zac Taylor about his situation, the topic of retirement inevitably came up. Nobody would blame him if he decided to end it. It would be a heck of a run from Hialeah Gardens, Fla., to starting running back in the NFL. Moss immediately thought about Jess, Xavien and Promise. 'Like I told coach Taylor, if I wanted to be done, I could have stayed at home and not left my wife and two kids by herself,' Moss said. 'I could have made that call and called it a day. My intention is to be here, to do what I have to do rehab-wise and then go from there. Wherever it is at, make a decision from there. That's all I can do.' Deciphering what Moss can still do, along with making the ensuing roster decision, is far more complicated. Moss racked up 3,028 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns in 61 games over his career with the Bills, Indianapolis Colts and Bengals. Yet, he never experienced a game like Week 8 last year against the Philadelphia Eagles. 'I started losing feeling in my arm,' Moss said. 'Coming out of that game, I pretty much played that game with seven fingers.' Advertisement That was the first real sign of trouble. After a series of tests — triggered when he reported losing feeling in his fingers — the CT scan results finally arrived, and jaws dropped across the facility. 'I didn't know, no one knew,' Moss said. 'Friday before the Raiders game, it stunned everybody. I didn't know it was broken.' It was broken in three different places on his C6, according to Moss. He said he traced it back to Week 1 against the New England Patriots but never had any indication as time went by. It made him think about how much worse the situation could have been. 'Getting through that part still can be traumatic to some degree to say, you dodged so many bullets,' Moss said. 'Playing and then practice and going to chiropractors at the same time. Lot of variables that could have happened. Thankfully, it didn't.' Crazy to think he went through those two months unknowingly. 'We never had any tell outside of my neck just being really sore,' Moss said. 'That's the thing people don't know. I haven't really spoken about it because I really don't care too much. Team didn't know. I didn't know it was broken. That's the part where I say, so many different variables. If I knew my neck was broken, I probably wouldn't have played.' The fact he never complained about the sore neck and played through it was in line with Moss' personality. He's built his reputation as a tough guy and hard-nosed football player. He's the guy who would strap on the helmet and play through the pain because that's what football players do. 'That's something people don't know about Zack is how tough he is,' Bengals running backs coach Justin Hill said. 'When he was in Indy, he played I don't know how many games with a broken arm. That's just who he is. He's one of the toughest people I've ever been around.' Moss went home to Utah and didn't need surgery. The plan was to let it heal on its own and avoid the complications that can come with a neck operation. That's been the case. He was cleared in the spring for the neck issue. In Moss' absence last year, Chase Brown emerged as one of the best young backs in the NFL, ranking fifth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage Weeks 9-17. The run game, specifically, and portions of the offense, generally, are now schemed to Brown's strengths. Cincinnati drafted Texas Tech's Tahj Brooks in the sixth round in April. They also brought back Samaje Perine as a complementary big-body back. Advertisement Where Moss fits would have been murky even without his injury. The Bengals could have released Moss, but instead agreed to a reduced salary from $3.5 million to $1.8 million, via Over The Cap. However, it guaranteed an extra $375K, notable considering Moss' situation. Moss accepted the deal, despite being docked in pay. 'Some people make things difficult,' Moss said. 'I didn't. I didn't partake in that. We did what we thought was best at that moment in time and called it a day and move on from that point.' Notably, he said he didn't hear much from the organization in the process. 'I pretty much went through that by myself, technically,' Moss said, admitting that wasn't by choice. 'That was just what happened. Didn't happen. Not going to say much more than that. We didn't have much communication on, 'What am I thinking, what am I doing?' None of that happened. It was just, 'See how the bone heals' and that was it.' When Moss determined he wanted to keep playing football, a bigger problem emerged. His conditioning is a significant issue. It wasn't being overweight, but rather being out of football shape due to a lack of activity following the injury. When he reported to training camp, the Bengals placed him on the Non-Football Injury list, linking the reason for his non-participation to conditioning, rather than his neck. As with his entire situation, it's complicated. There's more to any possible return than getting into football shape. Moss also needs to mentally prepare to step into the A-gap and take on a blitzer or run downhill in goal line, trusting he can avoid taking on the same risk he avoided last season. It's one thing to be told the neck is healed, it's another to think about your family depending on that proving true. You have to be wired a particular way to play in the NFL in the first place due to the brutality of football, both physically and mentally. Moss now fights that defining inner drive to contemplate the bigger picture. Advertisement 'You just want what's best for Zack,' Hill said. 'We care about his safety. He just had his second kid. That's a big part of his brain. That's what's so scary for him. You never know what could happen at the end of the day. We are all trying to do our job at a high level but we got to go home and see our families and raise our kids and be husbands and fathers and brothers. Just rooting for Zack and hope this plays out the best for him.' Right now, it plays out with Moss working on his conditioning on side fields. Without advancement, it's hard to see a world where he holds his spot on the roster. He says he still wants to play, but at some point, he has to prove he still can. There's another timeline where he's at home telling bedtime stories to Xavien and rocking Promise to sleep. He says he isn't thinking about that option now. The fact he's not tells the story of how badly he wants to keep going. Moss has taken on the philosophy he knows as well as anyone: You can only control today. You never know what will come next and which play will be your last. 'I don't have any expectations, honestly,' Moss said. 'That's not how I live my life. I just don't put expectations on anything because I don't want to be let down. Just going to allow my body to tell me when it is ready, and then we will go from that, and leave it up to people who have to make decisions on that. I can't make those decisions. I just do what I got to do and things go from there.' (Top photo of Zack Moss: Sam Greene / The Enquirer / USA Today via Imagn Images)
