Latest news with #QuindellJohnson
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 35: a history of the number and who wore it best
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 35 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we're taking a look at the history of No. 35 and the players who wore it best. Current Steelers No. 35 wearers: DB Quindell Johnson, RB Lew Nichols Both Johnson and Nichols wear No. 35 on the Steelers roster and signed with Pittsburgh in 2025. Nichols has yet to make his professional debut, while Johnson played in nine games for the Bears in 2023. The No. 35 duo face an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster — but they will undoubtedly leave it all on the line during training camp and preseason. Last five Steelers to wear No. 35: Quindell Johnson, 2025-present Lew Nichols, 2025-present Jonathan Ward, 2024 Arthur Maulet, 2021-2022 Ross Ventrone, 2014-2015 Best No. 35 in Steelers history: FB John Henry Johnson Despite a delayed Steel City arrival — FB John Henry Johnson is the best Steeler to ever wear No. 35. Selected with the 18th overall pick in the second round of the 1953 NFL Draft, Johnson actually chose to play for the Calgary Stampeders in the Western Interprovincial Football Union — a move Steelers owner Art Rooney joked was to avoid the cold. Johnson signed with the 49ers in 1954 and earned a Pro Bowl in his first season in San Francisco, but was traded to the Detroit Lions in 1957 — where he would remain until the Steelers came calling once again. The Lions traded Johnson back to the team that drafted him in 1960 — with Pittsburgh finally getting some usage out of their second-round draft pick, seven years later. He experienced a career resurgence during his six-year Steelers tenure, as he produced 5,195 yards from scrimmage and 32 touchdowns — earning three more Pro Bowls and a Second-Team All-Pro selection. Johnson was named to the Pittsburgh Steelers Legends team, the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor, and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 — a legacy befitting of being considered the greatest Steeler to wear No. 35. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 35: history behind the jersey
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers Add Another Memphis Alum, Sign Ballhawking Safety
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to signed safety Quindell Johnson, per his agency, Universal Sports Management. Johnson is a 6-foot, 208-pound safety out of Memphis in his third professional season. He was most recently with the San Francisco 49ers, but was waived on May 13. Advertisement The 25-year-old former undrafted free agent first joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, but was released during final roster cuts. He was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears and played nine games during his rookie season in Chicago. He played 35 snaps of defense, playing both in the box and as a free safety. He also played 106 snaps of defense. In total, Johnson recorded three tackles and intercepted Blaine Gabbert in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Last summer, Johnson was again waived coming out of training camp. He spent the entire 2024 season on the Los Angeles Rams practice squad, but did not appear in a game. He was released by the Rams on Jan. 7 and signed with the 49ers on Jan. 21 before being cut after the draft. Quindell Johnson, Memphis Athletics A New Orleans native, Johnson joined Memphis in 2018 and spent five seasons with the Tigers. He redshirted as a true freshman and started four games in 2019 before becoming a three-year starter. Advertisement In 2021, Johnson had 105 tackles, and he followed that up with an AAC-leading four interceptions in 2022. He was a three-time All-AAC selection. In pre-draft testing, Johnson ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash, and posted a 4.24-second shuttle run, but had a below-average 32.5-inch vertical for an overall Relative Athletic Score of 7.24. His signing continues the Steelers strong trend of signing players with Memphis area connections lately. He joins Calvin Austin III, Kenneth Gainwell and Roc Taylor as Memphis alumni. Cornerback Brandin Echols is also a Memphis native. The Steelers do not currently have an open roster spot, though they will be able to place tight end Donald Parham on injured reserve after his season-ending injury on Tuesday. Advertisement This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Add Another Memphis Alum, Sign Ballhawking Safety Related Headlines
