Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Gives Kaleb Johnson Powerful Comparison

The Pittsburgh Steelers' docu-series, The Standard, had a new episode that came out, and it gave fans a glimpse into what Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is seeing in rookie running back Kaleb Johnson. Tomlin's words strike a resonant chord with Pittsburgh’s storied identity. When Tomlin speaks publicly and directly about a young player, it’s never by accident. The message is intentional, calculated, and often reflective of where the team believes that player fits in both the short and long-term. For Johnson, that early recognition suggests more than promise; it points to purpose. 

Tomlin’s praise feels like more than optimism; it sounds like a signal; a signal that Johnson might be the next in a long line of backs expected to deliver when it matters most. Tomlin didn’t just praise Johnson’s athleticism in episode 10 of The Standard; he highlighted the rare blend of youth and experience that defines his potential.

“From our perspective, it’s just really good to do business with a guy that’s young and experienced,” Tomlin said, “Some of the most significant players we’ve had here during my time kind of fit that bill. Le’Veon Bell, for example, was a third‑year junior when he came out of Michigan State. Rashard Mendenhall was a third‑year junior when he came out Illinois. And so those are just a couple of examples of guys that were both young and experienced.”  

Tomlin just isn’t merely flattering Johnson; he’s placing him alongside two productive backs in Pittsburgh's history. By comparing Johnson to Le'Veon Bell and Rashard Mendenhall, both third-year juniors coming into the NFL with polish and production, Tomlin is sending a clear message: Johnson isn’t project talent, he’s game-ready.

Johnson backed that up at Iowa, where he dominated the Big Ten throughout his career with 508 carries for 2,779 yards, 29 catches for 240 yards, and scored 32 touchdowns. That’s the kind of body of work that aligns perfectly with Tomlin’s “young and experienced” criteria. He continued with a statement that carried the weight of expectation:

“And so I’m equally as excited about [KJ] for those very same reasons.”

Tomlin is setting the narrative. Johnson isn’t just another rookie, he’s the next in line of calibrated, impactful backs. And when your coach says he’s equally excited, the message to the team and fan base is clear: expect big things.

Pittsburgh’s offense has long revolved around a punishing ground attack. Najee Harris broke the franchise's rookie rushing record in his debut season, and Johnson brings a fresh twist on that formula, a powerful runner with explosiveness that the tape hinted at all along. Johnson isn’t starting his career by playing catch-up. 

He’s already earned trust through performance, and Tomlin’s glowing recognition ensures that the Steelers will give him the chance to translate it into early-down and goal-line work.

By framing Johnson alongside Bell and Mendenhall, Tomlin is not only celebrating a rookie; he’s reinforcing Pittsburgh’s identity: develop reliable, hard-nosed runners who step in and deliver. Johnson checked all the boxes at Iowa, didn’t struggle with fumbling, and his college career demonstrated durability and consistency. 

Training camp is where this promise becomes action. With Tomlin’s endorsement, Johnson should see reps early, which allows him to take the starting role without a prolonged “earning-it” period.

Steelers' Tomlin Sets The Stage For A Breakout Rookie Campaign From Johnson

When Tomlin says he’s “equally as excited” about Johnson, it’s a promise rooted in logic, history, and trust. Johnson is a rare mix: polished, productive, durable, and explosive. He fits a proven Steelers prototype and has the pedigree to deliver right away. Now it’s up to him to turn expectation into results, but if Tomlin’s words mean anything, then he’s already ahead of the game.