Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson gifts Seahawks a bizarre touchdown
- Kaleb Johnson, a rookie returner, made a critical mistake during a crucial kickoff that allowed the Seattle Seahawks to score an easy touchdown.
- The Seattle Seahawks capitalized on sloppy play from the Pittsburgh Steelers, ultimately winning the game 31-17.
- The error significantly impacted Johnson's position on the team, leading to his removal from kickoff duties by head coach Mike Tomlin.
In a recent NFL matchup on September 16, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Seattle Seahawks at home. The game saw numerous lead changes and a close score until a critical blunder by rookie Kaleb Johnson in the fourth quarter shifted the momentum in Seattle's favor. After the Seahawks took a 17-14 lead, kicker Jason Meyers executed a kick to the Steelers, where Johnson failed to field the ball properly, allowing it to bounce over his head. In a surprising turn of events, Seahawks player George Holani raced into the end zone to recover the loose ball for a touchdown, extending Seattle's lead to 24-14. This mistake ultimately proved pivotal, as the Seahawks capitalized on the momentum shift to secure a 31-17 victory. The Steelers' offense struggled throughout the game, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers being pressured repeatedly, leading to a lack of rhythm and execution. Although Pittsburgh had a strong start and took a 14-7 lead, their performance deteriorated in the latter part of the game. The opposing quarterback, Sam Darnold, managed to throw for over 295 yards with two touchdowns, overcoming his initial errors. This performance was critical for the Seahawks, who were looking for their first win of the season and closed out the game effectively. Following this notable blunder by Johnson, head coach Mike Tomlin decided to remove him from the kick-return duties. Tomlin highlighted the importance of accountability and emphasized the need for Johnson to learn from his mistake. Despite leading the team a week prior, Johnson's lapse in judgment overshadowed his potential and placed additional pressure on the young player. The Steelers must now regroup and find a strategy to overcome injuries and player performance issues as they head into their next game against the New England Patriots. Injuries also plagued both teams, with several key players missing in action, impacting their overall performance. The Steelers were unable to rely on their defensive strength, while the Seahawks capitalized on their opponents' missteps. As the season progresses, the Steelers will need to address these glaring problems and ensure they do not repeat similar mistakes that can swing the momentum against them.