Johnson Draws Cheers From Crowd Twice Day 1 of Camp

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published July 24, 2025, 4:29 PM

Kaleb Johnson may be a rookie, but he’s not shying away from the moment or the competition.

 “I don’t care,” Johnson said plainly. “I just want the ball.”

 Johnson was completely being non-confrontational in terms of where he currently stands on the depth chart, he was just saying, “I just want the ball.”

 Any way possible he wants to contribute and be on the field to make plays for the Steelers in 2025.

Drafted this spring by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnson has gone from rookie minicamp to OTAs to now sweating it out in the summer heat at Saint Vincent College during training camp. For the young running back, every rep is another chance to prove he belongs.

“Right now, I’m just trying to, you know, prove to the team that I’m here,” Johnson said. “So, I just come here to work.”

Dorm life in Latrobe is part of the grind, and Johnson is all-in not just on football, but on the camaraderie that comes with it.

“Sure, my freshman year. It’s kind of weird, though,” Johnson said, comparing dorm living to his college days. “But, you know, it’s more fun. My roommate right now is Derek Harmon, okay, and we got a really good relationship. Just being ourselves, playing the game together, and doing the little stuff that’s all that matters. Building relationships with the quarterbacks, building relationships with everybody around here.”

Off the field, Johnson is diving into those connections whether it’s Monopoly or Madden.

“I ain’t no board game person, but I’ll play one,” he laughed. “I’m very competitive, but at the same time, I’m a gamer. So, you know, come see me in NCAA. I’m at it.”

Johnson’s progress through the early NFL journey has been steady from shorts and helmets to the full-contact moments still to come.

“Because it’s like everything OTAs, minicamp, training camp I’m still learning,” he said. “That’s what I love about it. I just keep building and learning even more things. I’m just staying coachable and keeping a sponge.”

Of course, one of the biggest moments for any rookie in this organization is sharing a huddle with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. Johnson lights up talking about the four-time MVP.

“The huddle is crazy, man. It’s kind of fun,” Johnson said. “He tells everybody, like, ‘Chill out in the huddle, be cool, be yourself we’re here for a reason.’ It’s awesome just to see how he goes about his things and his routine. I’m really honored to be working with him and playing with him.”

Johnson’s competitive edge and hunger to contribute are showing early. From late-night video games to late reps at practice, he’s doing everything he can to make his name known in Pittsburgh.

And above all. He just wants the ball.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com