For Diontae Johnson, Sunday will mark a significant moment in his career as he faces off against his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, at Acrisure Stadium.
After five productive seasons with the Steelers, Johnson now finds himself in a new chapter with the Baltimore Ravens, and this week’s matchup will be a highly emotional one. The game represents not just another challenge on the field, but also a return to the stadium where his NFL journey began.
Johnson was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and over the next five years, he became one of their most reliable receivers. He amassed 391 receptions, 4,363 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns during his time in Pittsburgh. However, this past offseason, the Steelers traded Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, who later traded him again to the Ravens before the NFL trade deadline. Now, as he prepares to face his former team, Johnson reflects on his time in Pittsburgh.
“Man, I had a great career there. I loved it,” Johnson said in an interview with the Ravens’ official team website. “Great city, people great there. I know what they’re about. I can’t wait to get to Sunday to just be back in that stadium.” The 28-year-old wide receiver’s words reflect the connection he still feels with his former teammates and the city of Pittsburgh, despite the recent changes in his career.
While Johnson’s time with the Steelers was marked by many memorable moments, his emotions will likely be mixed as he steps onto the opposing sideline. “Just being back in that stadium, where it all started, it’s going to be different,” he noted. “I actually have never been in the away locker room [in Pittsburgh], so that’s going to be different for me, but I’m ready to get back there, just to see the good people that I made relationships with.”
Despite his personal connections to the Steelers, Johnson is focused on the task at hand with the Ravens. In his two games with Baltimore since the trade, his impact has been minimal, catching just one pass for six yards on two targets. He’s been used sparingly, with only 21 total offensive snaps across those two games. Nevertheless, Johnson remains committed to playing his role when called upon.
“They’re working me in there slowly, but, you know, I just go out there, whenever they call my number, I’m going to do my thing,” Johnson said. “So I can’t go in there just expecting a lot. I’m putting a lot of pressure on myself. However the game goes, I’m all for it.” His selfless attitude and readiness to contribute wherever necessary reflect the mentality of a seasoned veteran who understands that team success is paramount.
As Johnson prepares for his first return to Pittsburgh as a Raven, he acknowledges the challenge of adjusting to a new system. The Ravens have a deep receiving corps, and Johnson’s role has yet to fully materialize in the offense. However, with the Ravens sitting in playoff contention, every player’s contribution is vital, and Johnson’s experience could prove to be an asset down the stretch.
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In a conversation with the media, Ravens head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about Johnson’s upcoming return to Pittsburgh. However, he made it clear that he wasn’t overly focused on his former player’s role in the matchup. “To be honest with you, I hadn’t thought a lot about it,” Tomlin said. “He’s not on a lot of their video, and so at this stage of the week, I don’t know that I’ve weighed what he might mean to the matchup. They got more significant pieces with larger roles that are occupying my attention at this part of the week.”
Despite Tomlin’s indifference, Johnson’s return to Pittsburgh could still be a storyline worth watching. The Ravens might decide to make a concerted effort to get him involved in the game, especially given the emotional stakes for the wide receiver. It’s always intriguing when a player faces off against his former team, and this matchup will be no different.
For Johnson, Sunday’s game is more than just a chance to perform. It’s an opportunity to showcase his talents in a stadium that holds a special place in his heart. While his role with the Ravens has yet to fully take shape, facing his former team provides an opportunity for redemption and to prove why he was brought to Baltimore in the first place.
As for the Steelers, they’ll be focused on containing the Ravens’ high-powered offense, and Johnson’s presence on the field could become a key factor in how they approach the game. It remains to be seen whether the Ravens will look to involve him more significantly, but Johnson’s return to Pittsburgh is sure to add some extra drama to what promises to be a highly competitive matchup.
With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, every player will be crucial in determining the outcome. Johnson’s return to Pittsburgh as a Raven might not only be a memorable moment for him personally but could also have implications for the game itself. Whether he becomes a key contributor or merely a symbol of the ever-changing dynamics of the NFL, Sunday’s game will be a significant chapter in his career.
