Steelers' Diontae Johnson Trying To Help Curb Stupid Penalties From Young Receivers "Act Like You've Been There Before"

It doesn't feel like that long ago when Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2019 and claimed an AP All-Pro Second Team nod as a punt returner. Fast forward four years and now, Johnson entering his fifth year, is one of the veteran leaders in Pittsburgh's wide receiver room. 

Johnson has some lofty personal goals he's trying to reach in 2023, but has also added a more vocal leadership style to his arsenal to help Pittsburgh's young group. He said during a media conference via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he's trying to emphasize to the young pass catchers that you need to try to have a certain level of cool demeanor to be a professional receiver. 

"You don't want to put bad stuff on film and let a coach see a play get to you," he said of some advice he's given. "It's all about how you carry yourself out there when stuff is or isn't going your way. When you make a great play, you have to act like you've been there before." 

Second-year wide receiver George Pickens plays the game with a certain fire, especially when the ball isn't coming his way. He's been the target of criticism for some of his penalty issues in camp with some offensive pass interference and potential unsportsmanlike fouls.

Johnson said when it comes to the celebration aspect for big plays, you have to let him be himself, but he's also let the young budding star know that there's a time and place for it. 

"I'm not controlling them or anything and telling them they can't do it," he said about his advice on celebrating big plays. "Just know when to do it. You don’t want to do that every single play because we’ve got stuff to do. When you keep doing that, we’re wasting time on the clock." 

Johnson is still working on developing better chemistry with quarterback Kenny Pickett. The two didn't get a chance to work together much until Pickett was thrust into the starting job at halftime during the team's 2022 regular season game against the New York Jets. Pickett thinks that the extra time they've had to collaborate this offseason will result in a return to Pro Bowl form and getting into the end zone in 2023.    

Steelers' Johnson Leaning On A New Teammate For Leadership Advice

Johnson is the longest-tenured Steelers player in the wide receiver room. The designation of the most experienced receiver, though, goes to the offseason trade acquisition, Allen Robinson II. Entering his 10th season in the league, now on his fourth team, the three-time 1,000-plus-yard receiver has become a resource for Johnson as he tries to expand his portfolio as a leader. 

"He brings that vet mentality and is just all about business," Johnson said. "That feeds off on me. I'm just learning from him just by the way he handles himself and goes about his routine and also like how he watches film and what he sees out there."     

Johnson said the biggest thing that Robinson has brought to the group is communication. He said that he can feel the offense moving more fluidly as a unit, which is allowing them to play faster. He gave the veteran receiver praise for helping the unit improve how they're talking with each other on and off the field. 

Tampa is about a half-hour drive from his hometown of Ruskin, FL. He said he had a chance to play at the stadium in high school, but he was happy to play in front of his friends and family again this past Friday.

What do you think of Johnson stepping up as a leader? What are your expectations for him this season? Comment below!

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