The Steelers selected Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the 83rd overall pick.
Johnson said it was quite the moment when he saw the call come in from the Steelers.
"My heart dropped. My heart sunk," said Johnson. "I had been waiting all day. It was a dream for me and my family. It's an unreal feeling. I can't explain it. I am more than excited now. I am blessed.
"I feel like God put it in his hands. I am a Steeler now. I am ready to work."
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is equally excited to get to work with Johnson, a player he thinks is a good fit for the team in multiple fashions.
"Excited about getting Kaleb Johnson in here," said Smith. "Really explosive running back that we spent some time with on a 30 visit here. One of the more instinctive backs that I've watched in a couple of years coming out of the draft.
"Perfect fit regardless of whatever run scheme you're running. He ran multiple at Iowa. Really impressive as a volume runner as the game went on, and one of the more impressive stats you've seen is the fourth quarter -- what he averaged in the fourth quarter. I believe it was over five yards per carry. Might have been closer to six.
"We think he's a great culture fit. Obviously extremely fired up to get Kaleb in here."
Johnson did meet with the Steelers during a pre-draft visit at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex and felt a comfort level with the team from the get-go.
"It was great from the jump," said Johnson. "As soon as I came in, they welcomed me. Me and (running backs) Coach (Eddie) Faulkner, we talked heart-to-heart. Me and him know what we need to do now to come out on top. I am going to give them my all.
"Mike Tomlin in general, he told me he likes me as a player, and he wants me to come. I told him let's do it. It was all in God's hands. That's all I can say."
Johnson appeared in 35 games, starting 22, for the Hawkeyes. He carried the ball 508 times for 2,779 yards and 30 touchdowns for his career. Johnson also had 29 receptions for 240 yards and two touchdowns.
Johnson said he is ready for whatever workload comes his way in the Steelers offense and is prepared to get started.
"I feel like in general, the relationship with the players, learning from Coach Faulkner," said Johnson. "Me and Jaylen Warren, we are going to be good together.
"I can't wait to work. I am excited right now."
Johnson became the 17th player in school history to rush for over 2,000 yards and was the 51st player in school history to rush for over 1,000 career yards. He also became the fifth player in Iowa history to record two 200-plus yard rushing games.
In addition, he has 12 100-plus yard rushing games, which ranks sixth in school history.
In 2024, he appeared in 12 games, starting 11, and had 240 carries for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, all career highs.
2024 Honors
Football Writers Association of America First-Team All-American
Phil Steele First-Team All-American
Sporting News First-Team All-American
Walter Camp First-Team All-American
Associated Press Second-Team All-American
American Football Coaches Association Second-Team All-American
Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year
First-Team All-Big Ten (coaches; media)
Unanimous selection Associated Press First-Team All-Big Ten
Phil Steele First-Team All-Big Ten
Doak Walker Award finalist
Maxwell and Walter Camp Award semifinalist
AP, CBS Sports, Sporting News, The Athletic Midseason All-America
Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week and Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week for his performance at Minnesota
Senior Bowl Co-Offensive National Player of the Week for his performance vs. Washington
Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his performance vs. Wisconsin
Roy Carver MVP, offense
Iowa September Male Athlete of the Month
Take a look at photos of Pittsburgh Steelers third-round pick Kaleb Johnson
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs up field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 40-14. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs from Illinois State defensive back Keondre Jackson (3) and defensive back Dillon Gearhart (16) during a 64-yard touchdown run in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 40-0. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs from Troy cornerback Damaje Yancey (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) tries to break a tackle by Troy safety Ian Conerly-Goodly (39) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs from Utah State defensive end Paul Fitzgerald (32) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 24-14. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs breaks a tackle by Illinois defensive back Mac Resetich (47) during a 30-yard touchdown run in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 15-13. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs from Wisconsin safety Preston Zachman (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson stands on the field before an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs from Northwestern defensive back Damon Walters, left, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 40-14. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) carries the ball down field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Marc Lebryk)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson runs up field after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson runs off the field after an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 40-14. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs up field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois State, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 40-0. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Full College Bio:
CAREER: Recorded 2,779 rushing yards on 508 carries, which ranks sixth in program history ... 17th player in school history to rush for over 2,000 yards and was the 51st player in school history to rush for over 1,000 career yards ... Fifth player in program history to record two 200+ yard rushing games ... Registered 12 100+ yard rushing games, which ranks sixth in program history... His 30 rushing TDs rank fourth and his 32 total TDs rank sixth in program history.
2024: FWAA, Phil Steele, Sporting News, and Walter Camp first-team All-America ... AP and AFCA second-team All-America ... Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year ... First Team All-Big Ten (coaches, media) ... Unanimous selection AP first-team All-Big Ten ... Phil Steele first-team All-Big Ten ... Doak Walker Award finalist ... Maxwell and Walter Camp Award semifinalist ... AP, CBS Sports, Sporting News, The Athletic Midseason All-America ... Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week and Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week for his performance at Minnesota ... Senior Bowl Co-Offensive National Player of the Week for his performance vs. Washington ... Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his performance vs. Wisconsin ... Roy Carver MVP, offense ... Started at running back in 11 games, marking his 22nd career start ... Led team in rushing with 1,537 yards on 240 carries (6.4 yards per carry avg.) and 21 TDs with a long run of 75 yards ... Had 22 receptions for 188 yards (long of 72 yards) and two TDs ... Led the Big Ten and ranked sixth in the nation in total points scored (138), rushing TDs (21), and rushing yards/game (128.1) ... Led the Big Ten and ranked seventh in the nation in rushing yards (1,537) ... Led the Big Ten and ranked eighth in the nation in all-purpose yards (1,725) ... His total points scored (138), total TDs (23) and rushing TDs (21) are single-season school records, while the rushing yards (1,537) rank third in single-season program history ... Led the Big Ten and ranked 12th in the nation rush yards/carry (6.4) ... Scored at least one TD in the last 12 games, which is the longest stretch in program history, and scored multiple TDs in seven games, which is believed to be a school record ... Had 21 20+ yard rushes, six 40+ yard rushes and nine TD runs of 25+ yards this season ... His eight 100+ yard games this season rank second in program history... First Hawkeye to record four straight 100+yard rushing games since 2012 (Mark Weisman) and the first Hawkeye to score two TDs or more in four consecutive games since 2012 (Mark Weisman)... First Hawkeye since 2012 (Mark Weisman) to have multiple three TD-scoring games ... One of just three Big Ten players with 680+ rushing yards and 9+ TDs through a team's first four games since 2000 (Javon Ringer, Michigan State, 2008; Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota, 2020) ... One of four Big Ten tailbacks with 100 rushing yards and two TDs in four straight games in the last 10 years (Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota, 2020; Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State, 2014; Jeremy Langford, Michigan State, 2014)... His 1,537 rushing yards were the most by a Hawkeye through the first 12 games of the season since 2008 (Shonn Greene-1,729 yards) ... First Iowa running back with two or more TDs in the first four games of the season since 1997 (Tavian Banks-12) ... Fifth Hawkeye in program history to have multiple career 200-yard games (Sedrick Shaw-250/214, Tavian Banks-314/204, Shonn Greene-217/211, Marcus Coker-252/219) ... Led team with 21 carries for a career-high 206 yards and three TDs (long of 40 yards) in 31-14 win at Minnesota, becoming the fifth Hawkeye in school history to record two career 200+ yard rushing games and the first Hawkeye to score three TDs in a game since 2021 (Tyler Goodson)... Led team with a career-high 35 carries for 164 yards and one TD (long of 13 yards), and caught one pass for six yards in 29-13 win at Maryland... His 35 attempts are the most in a single game for the Hawkeyes since 2015 ... at Maryland, he and teammate Kamari Moulton (114 yards) became the first Hawkeye duo to post 100+ rushing yards in the same game since 2016 (LeShun Daniels Jr.-158, Akrum Wadley-105) ... Led team in rushing (17 carries, 45 yards, long of 25 yards) and receiving (2 catches, career-high 73 yards with a career-high long of 72 yards, and one TD) in 13-10 win over Nebraska ... The 72-yard reception was Iowa's longest pass play of the season ... Led team with 25 carries for 173 yards (long of 39 yards) with two rushing TDs and caught one pass for 10 yards in 38-21 win over Troy ... Led team with 25 carries for 187 yards and two rushing TDs in 2-19 loss to Iowa State ... Led team with 24 carries for 135 yards (long of 16 yards) and three TDs in 42-10 win over Wisconsin ... Led team with 166 rushing yards on 21 carries (long of 53 yards) and two TDs, as well as three receptions for 22 yards and one TD in 40-16 win over Washington ... Led team with 119 rushing yards on 11 carries and two rushing TDs in season-opening 40-0 shutout of Illinois State ... His 64-yard TD run is the fourth-longest of his career ... Led team with 109 rushing yards on 14 carries (long of 41 yards) and three TDs, as well as two receptions for nine yards in 40-14 win over Northwestern ... Led team with 98 rushing yards on 14 carries and one TD, with a career-high long run of 75 yards on the score - which is the 21st longest TD run in school history - and a career-high four catches for a career-high 49 yards (long of 19 yards) in 32-20 loss at Michigan State.
2023: Started at running back in five games, playing in 10 ... Missed three games due to injury ... Rushed 117 times for 463 yards (4.0 yards/carry, 46.3 yards/game) and three TDs, with a long rush of 67 yards, on the season ... Rushed 19 times for 63 yards and one TD in season-opening 24-14 win over Utah State ... Returned game-opening kickoff for a career-high 54 yards vs. Utah State to set up first TD pass of the season ... Rushed 17 times for 134 yards and one TD, including a long of 67 yards, in 20-14 win vs. Purdue ... Had 17 rushes for 35 yards and caught one pass for four yards in 15-6 win at Wisconsin ... Rushed 15 times for 28 yards and returned one kickoff for 23 yards in 20-13 win at Iowa State ... Rushed 10 times for 53 yards, including a long rush of 30 yards that scored the go-ahead TD in 15-13 win over Illinois ... Rushed 10 times for 54 yards with a long rush of 27 yards in 22-0 win over Rutgers ... Rushed 10 times for 30 yards (long of eight yards) in 13-10 win at Nebraska.
2022: Honorable mention Freshman All-America by College Football News ... Honorable mention All-Big Ten by league coaches and media ... Named Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week for his play in win at Purdue ... Saw action in all 13 games, starting six games ... Rushed 151 times for 779 yards (5.2 yard avg.) and six TDs, which led the team ... Returned 13 kickoffs for 325 yards (25.0 yard avg.), which also led the team ... His 779 rushing yards ranks 37th for most yards in a season in program history and set an Iowa freshman record ... Rushed 22 times for season-high 200 yards and one TD in 24-3 win at Purdue, which was the second highest single-game total by an Iowa freshman and 18th best total in program history ... His 75-yard TD run on second play of third quarter was longest for Iowa since 2020 ... First true freshman to rush for over 100 yards in a game since 2019 (Tyler Goodson) ... Led rushing attack with 22 carries for 57 yards in 24-10 win over Wisconsin, including a four-yard TD ... Tallied 16 rushing attempts for 109 yards in 24-17 loss to Nebraska, including a 44-yard TD run ... Led rushing attack with 103 yards on seven attempts in 27-0 win over Nevada, with TD runs of 40 and 55 yards ... His 15 rushing attempts for 58 yards in 27-10 win at Rutgers, with a long of nine yards ... Posted 12 rushing attempts for 32 yards and one TD in 27-14 loss to #4 Michigan, with a long of 12 yards ... TD came on two-yard run in fourth quarter ... Rushed 13 times for 93 yards in 33-13 win over Northwestern, with a long of 18 yards ... One of eight true freshmen to see action.
PERSONAL: Born 8/14/2003 in Cincinnati ... mother is Juanielle Finley and grandfather is Jeffery Strader ... Earned first- team all-state honors as a senior ... First-team all-conference as a junior ... Honorable mention all-conference as a sophomore ... AP Scholar and Honor Roll student as a prep ... Three-year football letterman as running back ... Helped prep team reach state playoffs as a junior and senior ... 155 rushing attempts for 1,004 yards and 15 TDs as a senior ... His 114 carries for 786 yards and eight TDs as a junior ... His 878 yards and nine TDs on 141 rushing attempts as a sophomore ... His 140 rushing attempts for 631 yards and three TDs as a freshman ... Team captain as a junior and senior ... Competed in basketball and track as a prep.
