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By Mallory Mattingly
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson was baptized last week, an experience he called “one of the most powerful moments” of his life.
“Today, I experienced one of the most powerful and meaningful moments of my life, my baptism,” he shared on Instagram. “As an athlete, I’ve spent hours, months, and years training, competing, and pushing my limits, always striving for greatness and growth. But today wasn’t about physical strength or winning a game, it was about surrendering my heart and declaring my faith in Jesus Christ.”
“Baptism is more than a tradition, it’s a symbol of dying to my old self and rising anew in God’s grace, ready to walk in His purpose for me,” Johnson continued. “In a world where identity is often defined by performance, I’ve found my true identity in Christ, not in trophies, titles, or stats, but in being loved, chosen, and redeemed.”
“I’m so thankful for everyone who has supported me along this journey, my family, teammates, coaches, and friends, and I look forward to continuing this race of faith with trust in God’s plan for my life,” Johnson concluded. “God’s Child❤️.”
Johnson was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played his college football years at the University of Iowa.
“My heart dropped. My heart sunk,” Johnson told the Steelers after he was drafted. “I had been waiting all day. It was a dream for me and my family. It’s an unreal feeling. I can’t explain it. I am more than excited now. I am blessed. I feel like God put it in his hands. I am a Steeler now. I am ready to work.”
After he was selected, the athlete recorded a video for the Steelers, saying, “Steelers Nation! Hey, let’s get to work. I’m excited to be a Steeler. Let’s go black and gold.”
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers Chaplain Encourages Team to ‘Deflect the Glory’ to God
Johnson also shared several photos of himself working out and preparing for the upcoming NFL season.
“I’m ready for everything that God has in store for me.✝️ IM COMING FOR IT ALL,” he said.
“We want explosives,” offensive coordinator Arthur Smith told The Athletic of why they selected Johnson. “You’re not just plodding, not just 2, 3, 4 yards (with) multiple third-and-2’s and third-and-3. You’d like to get those chunk plays.”
“Excited about getting Kaleb Johnson in here,” Smith added in a press conference with the Steelers. “Really explosive running back that we spent some time with on a 30 visit here. One of the more instinctive backs that I’ve watched in a couple of years coming out of the draft.
“Perfect fit regardless of whatever run scheme you’re running,” he continued. “He ran multiple at Iowa. Really impressive as a volume runner as the game went on, and one of the more impressive stats you’ve seen is the fourth quarter — what he averaged in the fourth quarter. I believe it was over five yards per carry. Might have been closer to six. We think he’s a great culture fit. Obviously extremely fired up to get Kaleb in here.”
As Kaleb Johnson gets ready to make his debut with the Steelers, he’s preparing for all that comes with an NFL career in the best possible way — centering his life and focus on Jesus through his baptism.
Read Next: How the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Faith Helped Them Find On-Field Success
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