On Friday night, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Diontae Johnson was involved in a multi-car crash in Pittsburgh around 11pm. Luckily, Johnson was not injured at all and was able to walk away from the crash with nothing but a wrecked car. The accident involving Johnson was originally reported by Steel Here Podcast host Kevin Adams on X formerly known as Twitter.
JORDAN SCHOFIELD / STEELERNATION (TWITTER / x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson has become a perfect third-round draft pick, as he's one of the better route runners in all of football.
The crash is believed to have occurred on I-376 between exit 77 (Edgewood/Swissvale) and exit 74 (Squirrel Hill/Homestead). The crash was reportedly a six-eight car pile-up, and Johnson would sadly be the victim of a rear-end hit.
Little birdie tells me Diontae Johnson’s Lambo was rear ended last night. He was fine. But cmon people, it’s 2 weeks to kickoff. We’ve gotta be mindful on the roadways. Got a title to win. Can’t be losing our players out here. pic.twitter.com/KsbRRnVffA
— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) August 26, 2023
Johnson was driving his Lamborghini Urus SUV at the time of the crash. For Johnson, it's nothing more than having to pay for repairs, but for Steelers fans it brings back memories, one that no one ever wants to have reoccur.
In 2006, Steelers great Ben Roethlisberger was involved in a fiery motorcycle crash. Roethlisberger would be brought into the hospital in critical condition, along with a broken nose and jaw. For Steeler Nation, the world seemed to stop, as the young quarterback (at the time) was dealing with life-threatening injuries.
Luckily, Johnson's crash was nowhere near as significant as Roethlisberger's, but it still makes all of us feel uneasy. With the 2023 NFL regular season nearing closer and closer, seeing incidents like Johnson's is a reminder of how fast everything can change. Futhermore, a life-threatening injury, or incident now, would completely change the outlook on the 2023 season. With the Steelers offense gelling very well in the preseason, losing a major piece of the offense now could be disastrous.
Matt Durisko / AP
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson celebrates after a touchdown during the 2021 NFL season.
Pittsburgh Steelers offense shines during preseason
Following the 2023 NFL preseason, buzz is in the air everywhere after a strong three games from the Steelers offense. They proved to be true contenders in 2023 with their stints, going 5-5 with the starters on the field with 5 touchdowns. The offense seemed to be able to drive against everyone, including the Buffalo Bills starters. For Johnson, his preseason was a little quieter, as everyone knows how good Johnson already is.
Johnson would rack up just four receptions along with 65 yards all preseason. Despite this, the rest of the offense looked sharp, with quarterback Kenny Pickett having a perfect passer rating of 158.3, running back Jaylen Warren flashing, and wide receiver Calvin Austin III shining in the return game. Both Warren and Austin III had games with big splash plays. For Austin III, his came in the Week 1 preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he would catch a perfect ball from Mason Rudolph for a 67-yard touchdown. Austin wowed people with his blazing speed throughout the preseason on punt return as well.
Douglas DeFelice/Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers offense takes the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, FL.
For Warren, his big splash play came against the Bills where he would take an outside zone run for a 62-yard touchdown. The Steelers offense looked to be in midseason form in the preseason. And for that, it is detrimental that everyone is able to stay healthy. With Johnson's crash far from serious, it's still a scare as what could've been.
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