Ex-Steelers WR Diontae Johnson Explains Several Controversial Moments That Ruined His NFL Career

The Pittsburgh Steelers had some up and down seasons with former wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, the Steelers made it clear they felt he was a problematic wide receiver and wanted nothing to do with him. That’s why Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan sent Johnson packing to the Carolina Panthers via trade. However, Johnson’s time in Carolina didn’t last long. After just a few games, the Panthers moved on, trading him to the rival Baltimore Ravens.

Johnson’s stint with the Ravens ended just as abruptly and poorly. Reports surfaced about issues with the coaching staff and lack of effort during practices. Not long after, Johnson was picked up by the Houston Texans, where things quickly spiraled again. Despite learning the playbook quickly and being ready to contribute, Johnson claimed the team prioritized their drafted players. Feeling overlooked, he admitted to mentally checking out. Soon after, the Texans labeled him a distraction and released him.

Now, Johnson is hoping for a fresh start and a comeback season with the Cleveland Browns. In a candid appearance on the Sports and Suits podcast, he opened up about those controversial moments that led to his rocky journey around the league. Johnson defended himself, explaining the circumstances behind his decisions and insisting that much of what was said about him was misunderstood. As he prepares for another chance in Cleveland, Johnson seems determined to reshape the narrative around his NFL career.

"I wasn’t getting into no run plays, no passing plays or nothing. It was cold," Johnson said. "End of the third going into the fourth, they were like, 'Tae, we need you.' I was like, 'Nah, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me.' Like, my legs are already ice cold and I didn’t wanna go out there and put bad stuff on film. It’s not like I didn’t wanna go into the game, but leading up to this point, I had been through so much… I told them I’m not finna go in, so I just sat on the bench, and that’s when they suspended me."

It’s never good for any player on any team to refuse to go into a game. In Johnson’s situation, he was trying to protect himself after having a rough couple of weeks and feeling like the NFL was giving up on him.

He chose not to go into the game, and then the Ravens suspended him. He later asked to be released. The Texans picked him up, but that didn’t end well either.

"When I got to Houston, things were going smooth," Johnson said. "The way they made it feel was like they were going to be playing me a lot. I learned the playbook so fast, and then come gametime, they were putting in the younger guys—but I understand, it was the guys they drafted, so I gotta wait my turn… but I checked out mentally… After that, they said I was a distraction and they released me."

Just a season earlier, Johnson was viewed as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, or at least among the elite. That’s part of the reason the Panthers wanted him in the first place. However, things unraveled quickly, and the team felt it was best to move on. It’s a reminder of how fast things can change, even for talented players, in a league as competitive and cutthroat as the NFL.

Ex-Steelers WR Looking For Revenge Against Pittsburgh

Now, Johnson will look to prove he’s still capable of playing at an elite level with the Browns. He will also get another shot at facing the Steelers, the team where he made his name. During his five seasons in the Steel City, Johnson caught 391 passes for 4,363 yards and scored 25 touchdowns, establishing himself as a key piece of the offense for years.

With a fresh start in Cleveland and plenty to prove, Johnson’s 2025 season could be one of redemption or another chapter in a career that has taken some sharp turns. Either way, all eyes will be on him when he lines up against his former team.

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