The Pittsburgh Steelers have entered a new era at running back following the departure of Najee Harris, who had been a central figure in their offense for years. Looking to the future, the franchise addressed this significant roster void by selecting Iowa standout Kaleb Johnson in the 2025 NFL Draft. As offseason activities transition into rookie minicamp, Johnson is settling into his new role and city, showing early signs of being ready for the responsibility that comes with it.
In his early interactions with Pittsburgh media, Johnson made it clear that he’s embracing the opportunity with open arms. “I love it here. I really love it here,” he said when asked about his first impressions of Pittsburgh. “I came here to play on Sundays with these guys and just overall compete. That’s the main thing right now. Compete. Learn the playbook and get ready for Sundays.”
That mindset is exactly what the Steelers’ coaching staff is looking for in their rookie class. Johnson’s focus is firmly on absorbing the system, adjusting to the professional pace, and proving that he belongs on the NFL stage.
Johnson isn’t the only Iowa Hawkeye who’s recently made his way to the Steelers. Pittsburgh also drafted defensive lineman Yahya Black and signed versatile defensive back Sebastian Castro as an undrafted free agent. The shared background with fellow rookies from the same college program may help with the acclimation process, as all three transition into life in the NFL together.
Now that rookie minicamp is in full swing, the intensity and expectations have ramped up considerably. But Johnson seems unfazed by the moment. His comments during interviews reflect not only confidence but also a disciplined, professional approach to preparing for the season.
“Every day, man,” Johnson told Steelers reporter Nick Farabaugh about his workout routine. “The day before I came here, I ran like three or four miles on the treadmill and lifted and worked my butt off that following day, and now I’m here. This is the thing I’ve been wanting to do, so I’m chasing it.”
His work ethic is evident, and that hunger could be the key to helping him carve out a significant role in the Steelers’ backfield rotation. While he’ll have to earn his touches behind what will likely be a crowded depth chart, Johnson’s early commitment to conditioning and film study speaks volumes about his readiness to compete.
The Steelers, known for building a physical, blue-collar identity, seem to have found a match in Johnson, whose attitude reflects the grit and determination the franchise has long valued in its players. While it remains to be seen how much of an impact he’ll have in year one, his early demeanor and preparation have certainly made an impression.
The bigger question now becomes how he’ll translate that effort into production when the pads come on. If he can continue to push through training camp and find his footing in the preseason, Johnson could become a valuable weapon for the Steelers offense — whether as a primary runner, situational contributor, or even on special teams.
At the very least, his arrival has added fresh energy to a backfield looking to retool. And as minicamp rolls into OTAs and eventually training camp, Johnson’s journey from Iowa to Pittsburgh will be one worth watching closely.
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