Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — It appeared Kaleb Johnson thought it was ticketed to be a touchback, but the kickoff that passed him was still in play. The mistake led to a touchdown that gave the Seattle Seahawks a 10-point fourth-quarter cushion.
Myers’ offering landed at the Steelers’ 10-yard line and skidded Johnson’s way. The rookie tailback reached for the ball, which caromed off his hand and bounced into the end zone. Johnson turned to jog to the sideline. Meanwhile, a score of Seahawks raced by him and toward the gift waiting for them on the grass. The only Steelers player giving chase was newly arrived safety Jabrill Peppers, who was cut by the New England Patriots
Oh no. #Steelers rookie RB Kaleb Johnson appeared unaware of the new kickoff rules — and the #Seahawks took full advantage.
Result: an absolute gift of a TD.pic.twitter.com/fePBAHKjnf
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 14, 2025
Seattle’s G. Holani made the heads-up play to pick the ball up in the end zone for what might have been one of the easiest touchdowns in the history of the sport. Johnson was relieved of his kick-returning duties on the ensuing J. Myers boot, with the Steelers dispatching Kenneth Gainwell and starting tailback Jaylen Warren to bring it back.
Gainwell returned it 20 yards to the Steelers’ 28.
Before Johnson’s gaffe, Warren had accounted for most of the Steelers’ offensive production, racking up 84 yards on three receptions and another 47 on 13 carries. Johnson had kick returns of 24, 13 and 21 yards before his mishap.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Rookie RB Makes Crucial Mistake on Kick Return
