Steelers Rookie Kaleb Johnson Makes Strong Claim About His First Year In Pittsburgh: "Najee [Harris] Had 1,000 Yards"

The Pittsburgh Steelers moved on from running back Najee Harris after the 2024 season. Harris played in the Steel City for four seasons, but didn’t do enough in the eyes of the organization to earn a long-term spot in Pittsburgh. While he showed flashes of power and consistency, the front office ultimately chose to reset the position, opting for fresh legs and a new direction in the backfield.

The Steelers drafted Harris’ replacement in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. Known for his explosive downhill style and physicality between the tackles, Johnson fits the mold of what Pittsburgh traditionally values in a running back. He comes to the team with expectations of contributing right away, and the Steelers believe he has the tools to grow into a featured role quickly.

Johnson isn’t just thinking about making an impact, however. He’s aiming much higher. In a recent interview with 93.7 The Fan, the rookie made his goals clear: he wants to be the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2025. It’s a bold statement, but one that shows his confidence, drive, and hunger to prove himself in a city that demands greatness from its running backs.

"I want to be Rookie of the Year," Johnson said. "Najee had 1,000 yards every four years, that just doesn’t happen for no reason. I want to be the next up."

Harris struggled to break into the elite tier of NFL running backs, but that does not mean he did not leave his mark in Pittsburgh. Over his four seasons with the Steelers, Harris consistently produced, rushing for over 1,000 yards every year, a rare level of durability and reliability in today’s game. 

Harris also never missed a start in four seasons, while taking incredible punishment. His physical running style and steady presence helped anchor the offense through multiple transitions at quarterback and offensive coordinator.

"I love it here," Johnson said during Steelers rookie minicamp. "I really love it here. I can’t wait to play on Sundays with these guys and just overall compete. That’s the main thing right now is compete, learn the playbook and get ready for Sunday."

Now Johnson is hoping to build on that legacy. The rookie arrives in Pittsburgh with a chip on his shoulder and a goal to not only match Harris’ consistency, but to raise the bar. Johnson has already stated that he wants to be the NFL’s Rookie of the Year in 2025, and maintaining the Steelers’ streak of 1,000-yard rushers would be a strong first step.

During his college career, Johnson stood out to the Steelers thanks to his physical running style and knack for making defenders miss. His strength after contact and natural balance made him a consistent threat on the ground, while his frame and skill set aligned well with Pittsburgh’s zone-blocking system. 

What further elevated his draft stock was his versatility, showing he could be more than just a ball carrier by making plays as a receiver out of the backfield. Despite operating in an offense that struggled to stretch the field through the air and routinely faced stacked defensive fronts, Johnson consistently found ways to move the chains and deliver big performances.

Steelers' Kaleb Johnson Is Going For Rookie Of The Year In Pittsburgh

Despite those challenges, Johnson put together a dominant 2024 season. He recorded 240 carries for 1,537 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. He added 22 receptions for 188 yards and two receiving touchdowns, showing his ability to make an impact as a dual-threat back. His combination of production, toughness, and all-around skill set helped him stand out, even in a deep running back class.

Now Johnson is looking to bring that same level of performance to Pittsburgh. He understands the expectations that come with replacing Harris and being a rookie in a demanding football city. While Rookie of the Year honors might sound ambitious for a third-round pick, Johnson has made it clear that he believes in himself and his ability to compete at the highest level right away.

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