All Steelers

Steelers WR Diontae Johnson Downplays Lack of Effort

The Pittsburgh Steelers wideout addressed a fumble incident that didn't look good on his end.

Noah Strackbein

In this story:

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson had headlines circulating him coming into the team's Week 12 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Then, he caught fire on social media, and to those watching at home, after a lack of effort play went viral that nearly cost the Steelers. 

Johnson and All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick reportedly got into a heated argument following the Steelers' Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Things got bad enough that the two needed to be separated, and, according to the report, it led to the eventual firing of Matt Canada. 

Then, Johnson made matters worse, at least in the eyes of fans, by giving zero effort on a play that Jaylen Warren fumbled on. In the replay, the ball lands right next to Johnson, but he makes no attempt to go after it and instead starts walking away. 

Johnson was asked about the fumble after the game, admitting he didn't see what was going on. 

"I didn’t see it," Johnson told reporters. "I was just doing what I was doing — blocking or whatever."

The play came directly after a pass to Johnson in the endzone was called incomplete. The pass was probably completed, which would have resulted in a touchdown, due to Johnson getting three feet in bounds before hitting the ground and losing the ball. 

The next play, the fumble happened, which may have only made the situation look worse. 

"It is what it is," Johnson said. "I had three feet in ... but I’ve just got to hold on to the ball."

The wideout finished the game with four receptions for 50 yards, and will look to build off a solid offensive performance under new offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner and play-caller Mike Sullivan. 

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

T.J. Watt Shouts Out Steelers Offense

Steelers Offense Already Feels Different for Kenny Pickett

Steelers' Diontae Johnson Addresses Altercation With Teammate

Steelers Leave Bengals Game With Two Injuries

Steelers' Diontae Johnson Blasted For Lack of Effort

Published
Noah Strackbein
NOAH STRACKBEIN

Noah is the Publisher for All Steelers, Inside the Panthers (InsideThePanthers.com) and Inside the Penguins (InsidethePenguins.com), and is the host of All Steelers Talk (YouTube.com/AllSteelersTalk). A Scranton native, Noah made his way to the Pittsburgh sports scene in 2017. Now, he's pretty much full-yinzer.

Home/News