Steelers Rookie Explains Game-Changing Mistake

PITTSBURGH — The special teams have been crucial in each of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first two games. They helped deliver a victory over the New York Jets in Week 1, but a costly mistake by rookie running back and kick returner Kaleb Johnson was a turning point in their Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

The Steelers’ rookie made an error that left the entire team shaking their heads with frustration. During a routine kickoff, a perfectly placed Seahawks kickoff bounced past Johnson’s outstretched hands. Seemingly unaware of the new NFL kickoff rules, he watched as, the Seahawks recovered the loose football in the Steelers end zone while Kenneth Gainwell and Jabrill Peppers chased on with no luck.

It was a monumental rookie moment for the team’s third round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After the game, he took accountability for the error and said he needs to be better. When asked if he was confused about the rules, Johnson said it didn’t matter because at the end of the day, he didn’t get the job done when he was called upon.

”If I wasn’t sure or was sure, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “I still gotta do what I gotta do and I still gotta go in there and execute the way it needs to be executed.”

This is now the second week in a row that Johnson has had issues as a kick returner. He’s unlikely to get another crack it in Week 3 against the New England Patriots. Following his lost fumble, the Steelers turned to Gainwell and fellow running back Jaylen Warren for return duties.