PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers third-round pick Kaleb Johnson said Mike Tomlin told him when he met with the team that he liked him as a player. Johnson told the Steelers head coach ‘let’s do it’.
They did Friday night.
Johnson rushed for 1,074 yards and 18 more touchdowns in 2024 than he did the previous year. He was named the Big 10 running back of the year running it 240 times for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns. He had 21 runs of at least 20 yards and six runs of 40-plus yards and nine of his touchdowns came on runs of 25 yards or more. He had a 206-yard game against Minnesota and three touchdowns against Wisconsin
“Always finishing my runs and always wanting to get the first down and do extra for my team to help my team win,” Johnson said of his mindset. “I just always want to go the extra mile and help my team and come out on top. That’s my main thing.”
The 6’1”, 224-pounder won’t turn 22-years-old until training camp and said his heart sunk when he saw the phone ring. He said he felt like it was between the Steelers and Tennessee as to where he would land.
“I’m more than excited,” Johnson said. “I’m blessed.”
The comparable for Kaleb Johnson is Le’Veon Bell. When asked if he emulates Bell’s style, he said he does. He said he had a conversation with Bell season and listening to him talk about being patient and setting up his blocks and knowing when to cut it back, you could visualize Le’Veon running.
Along with Tomlin, Johnson said he’s had a heart-to-heart talk with Eddie Faulkner and he knows what he needs to do.
“They are going to get a physical running back, one that loves to score touchdowns,” Johnson said. “Just a guy that’s ready to work and be determined and give his all.”