Steelers rookie didn't understand kickoff rules on gaffe vs. Seahawks

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20). Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Steelers rookie RB didn't seem to understand kickoff rules on costly gaffe vs. Seahawks

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Sep 14, 2025 4:43 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers must not have gone over the NFL kickoff rules during their rookie transition program this offseason. Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson seemed unaware of them in Sunday's home game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Early in the fourth quarter, with the Seahawks leading 17-14, the Iowa product came out of the end zone to field the ball, but it slipped through his fingers. Instead of picking it up, Johnson let it roll into the back of the end zone. Seahawks RB George Holani pounced on the ball for a Seattle touchdown. Johnson's mistake was one big reason Pittsburgh lost 31-17.

The Seahawks just recovered a kickoff in the end zone for a touchdown!

SEAvsPIT on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/0J1gEbqx4r
— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2025

Kaleb Johnson's gaffe could cost him more playing time

The Steelers took Johnson with pick No. 83 in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft to help replace one-time Pro Bowl RB Najee Harris. The Alabama product is now with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Johnson was a standout in his final season with the Hawkeyes, rushing for a career-high 1,537 yards in 12 games. For his efforts, he earned a second-team All-American nod. But he has struggled to adjust to the NFL.

In a 34-32 Week 1 win over the New York Jets, Johnson had one carry for a loss of two yards and had a fumble, which he recovered. Making a huge mistake against Seattle doesn't help him show why he deserves more touches.

Johnson's blunder wasn't the only reason the Steelers lost the game. QB Aaron Rodgers cooled after throwing four TDs in Week 1. Against Seattle, he finished 18-of-33 for 203 yards, one TD pass and two interceptions.

The Steelers' defense also continued to underwhelm. Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III dominated the unit, rushing for 105 yards and one TD on 13 carries. But Johnson's muff was one of the game's turning points. And it may make the Pittsburgh coaching staff wonder if it can trust him, especially if he doesn't seem to understand basic rules.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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