Kaleb Johnson Steals the Show in Steelers Preseason Opener — Even Against Travis Hunter
If you’re a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Saturday night’s preseason opener wasn’t just another warm-up game. It was the official announcement that rookie running back Kaleb Johnson is here to play — and not just play, but dominate.
The final scoreboard read Steelers 31, Jaguars 25, but the real highlight didn’t come from the scoreline. It came from one jaw-dropping moment when Johnson made Jacksonville’s much-hyped two-way rookie, Travis Hunter, look like just another rookie learning the ropes.
The Collision Everyone’s Talking About
The play will probably live rent-free in Steelers fans’ heads for a while. Johnson, showcasing a lethal mix of speed, power, and vision, took the ball, saw daylight, and went full throttle. Waiting in his path? Hunter — the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and media darling — ready to prove his worth as both a wide receiver and cornerback.
And then, reality hit. Literally.
Johnson lowered his pads, powered forward, and blew right through Hunter’s tackle attempt. It wasn’t just a missed tackle; it was a message. One moment, Hunter was bracing for impact; the next, he was flat on the turf, wondering what just happened. For a split second, the crowd gasped — then erupted.
Point to Note: This wasn’t just any broken tackle. This was a rookie RB turning the tables on one of the most talked-about two-way players in recent history.
More Than Just a One-Off Play
Let’s be clear: Travis Hunter is an insanely talented athlete. His ability to play on both sides of the ball is rare in today’s NFL. But Johnson reminded everyone that there’s a lot more to playing defense than just lining up and reacting. Tackling in the NFL isn’t just about form; it’s about grit, timing, and the willingness to bring down a player who’s doing everything in his power to stay upright.
Johnson, with his compact build and relentless drive, wasn’t giving anyone the chance to arm-tackle him. Not even the Heisman winner.
The Rookie Showdown That Felt Inevitable
From the moment the preseason schedules were released, this matchup felt destined. Both rookies making their NFL debut. Both stepping into the spotlight with expectations piled high. Hunter carried the media buzz — the “can he really pull off being an NFL two-way player?” storyline. Johnson, on the other hand, flew a bit under the radar in the national conversation.
But sometimes, being underestimated is the best fuel. Johnson didn’t just meet the moment; he owned it.
What Johnson Brings to the Steelers Offense
The Steelers haven’t exactly been hurting for running backs, but Johnson’s performance Saturday suggested he might be too good to keep off the field. His burst through the line, balance after contact, and ability to turn would-be short gains into chunk plays gave Pittsburgh’s offense a noticeable spark.
For a team looking to keep defenses honest and take some pressure off their passing game, Johnson could be the perfect complement to the backfield rotation. And if he keeps delivering highlight-reel moments like the one against Hunter, head coach Mike Tomlin might have no choice but to give him more touches.
Lessons for Travis Hunter
While Hunter didn’t exactly get the better end of the exchange, this is the kind of welcome-to-the-NFL moment that even the greats have to experience. Playing wide receiver and cornerback at the college level is one thing; doing it against seasoned, grown-man competition in the NFL is another.
The good news for the Jaguars? Hunter’s skill set is still elite. This moment won’t define him — but it will likely be a clip that coaches use in film sessions to remind him and others about tackling fundamentals and the importance of bringing full commitment into every collision.
The Bigger Picture: Preseason Isn’t Just Warm-Ups
Fans sometimes treat preseason games like glorified scrimmages, but for rookies, these games are make-or-break opportunities. Every snap matters. Every block, route, and tackle is a chance to prove you belong. And when you get the chance to go one-on-one against a fellow rookie phenom, you better believe the competitive juices flow a little stronger.
That’s exactly what we saw between Johnson and Hunter — two athletes with something to prove, meeting in a collision that said as much about mindset as it did about raw skill.
Circle the Date: Steelers vs. Buccaneers
If Saturday’s game left you wanting more, you won’t have to wait long. Next Saturday, August 16, at 7:00 PM EST, the Steelers will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their second preseason matchup. Expect Johnson to get more reps, and don’t be surprised if he becomes the storyline again.
Pointer for Fans: Keep your eyes on how Johnson handles goal-line situations. If he starts converting those consistently, his stock could skyrocket before Week 1 even kicks off.
Why This Moment Resonates with Steelers Nation
Steelers fans love hard-nosed football. They live for players who bring physicality and refuse to go down without a fight. In one single play, Johnson showed he fits that mold perfectly. Pittsburgh’s football DNA has always been about toughness, and seeing a rookie embrace that so quickly is exactly what gets the fanbase buzzing.
It’s also about pride. Outclassing a nationally hyped opponent in your very first NFL action? That’s the kind of story fans will tell all season.
Social Media Buzz
Within minutes of the play, clips started making their way across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Steelers fans were sharing it like wildfire, with captions ranging from “RB1?” to “Travis Hunter just met reality.” Even neutral NFL fans couldn’t help but acknowledge the sheer force Johnson displayed.
The Steelers’ official account, @TheSteelersWire, and their Facebook page were quick to highlight the rookie’s breakout moment, ensuring that this wasn’t just a local talking point — it became a national one.
Final Takeaway
Preseason might not count in the standings, but it counts in hearts, minds, and future depth charts. Kaleb Johnson didn’t just make a play on Saturday — he made a statement. He’s here to compete, to bring power to Pittsburgh’s running game, and to give defenses a reason to second-guess their tackling techniques.
For Travis Hunter, the night was a reminder that the NFL demands more than just talent — it demands constant adaptation, especially when you’re pulling double duty on the field.
And for fans? It was a preview of just how exciting this rookie class could be. Buckle up, because if this first preseason game was any indication, we’re in for some serious fireworks.
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