Former Steelers Pro Bowler opens up on what caused Pittsburgh to make questionable trade this offseason
It's safe to say that Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson outperformed expectations during his tenure in Pittsburgh. A third-round pick who became a Pro Bowler, he was a winning player for the majority of his time in the black and gold. So when the Steelers traded him for an often injured corner and late-round pick […]
It's safe to say that Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson outperformed expectations during his tenure in Pittsburgh.
A third-round pick who became a Pro Bowler, he was a winning player for the majority of his time in the black and gold.
So when the Steelers traded him for an often injured corner and late-round pick swap, heads were scratched and questions as to why were left unanswered.
But a peek behind the curtain shows why the move was in the Steelers' cards all along, with Johnson knowing as much:
Johnson in new stripes
“It’s a business. I had a great time in Pittsburgh. They took a chance on me in 2019 and I can’t thank them enough. I’m just happy to be here in Charlotte. I won’t call it a fresh start, but it’s another opportunity to do what I can, to help another program win games. So I’m gonna bring my best foot forward and my best attitude to the team, and try to do what I can to help change things around here," Johnson told Joseph Person of The Athletic.
Notice how Johnson said, "I’m gonna bring my best foot forward and my best attitude to the team." Well, despite his consistent production in Pittsburgh, Johnson's acts on the field and in the locker room not only suggested but proved that he didn't play or act with his best attitude.
Now, is it a coincidence, that those antics were ramped up by Johnson as he entered the final year of his deal, with the possibility of seeking a trade elsewhere? You know, the same thing they call quiet quitting in the corporate world…
Maybe:
“I guess they didn’t want to trade me nowhere in the AFC," said Johnson. "I’m here now in the NFC. It is what it is. They did what they feel they had to was best on their part. I couldn’t really do nothing about that. So I’m gonna make plays with whatever team I was on or got traded to. I’m here in Carolina, so I’m here to work.”
That quote comes in response to a report from Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, who stated that Johnson had permission to seek a trade, with the Kansas City Chiefs atop his wishlist.
I mean, I would like to play with a QB on pace to be the greatest ever if I were an NFL WR too, but this isn't the NBA. You don't get to ask for a trade and then determine where you go.
But Johnson has heard the conjecture on his football character, though he doesn't seem too keen on changing much:
“Everybody’s gonna have their opinion about me, added Johnson. "People are gonna say what they want to say about me. But I know what type of player I am. I know what type of attitude I bring to the table. I didn’t really pay attention to stuff like that. I can only control what I can control. What people are saying about me is their opinion. It’s just words at the end of the day. As long I keep putting my best foot forward and bringing my best attitude forward, they can’t really say anything or whatever they want about me.”
Johnson caught 391 passes for over 4300 yards and 25 scores across five seasons in Pittsburgh.
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