Teresa Varley

📄:Third Round: Kaleb Johnson| 📸:Kaleb Johnson in pictures| 📺:Pick Announcement

The Steelers selected Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the 83rd overall pick.

Johnson said it was quite the moment when he saw the call come in from the Steelers.

"My heart dropped. My heart sunk," said Johnson. "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."

Johnson met with the Steelers during a pre-draft visit at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex and felt a comfort level with the team from the get-go.

"It was great from the jump," said Johnson. "As soon as I came in, they welcomed me. Me and (running backs) Coach (Eddie) Faulkner, we talked heart-to-heart. Me and him know what we need to do now to come out on top. I am going to give them my all.

"Mike Tomlin in general, he told me he likes me as a player, and he wants me to come. I told him let's do it. It was all in God's hands. That's all I can say."

Johnson appeared in 35 games, starting 22, for the Hawkeyes. He carried the ball 508 times for 2,779 yards and 30 touchdowns for his career. Johnson also had 29 receptions for 240 yards and two touchdowns.

Johnson became the 17th player in school history to rush for over 2,000 yards and was the 51st player in school history to rush for over 1,000 career yards. He also became the fifth player in Iowa history to record two 200-plus yard rushing games.

In addition, he has 12 100-plus yard rushing games, which ranks sixth in school history.

In 2024, he appeared in 12 games, starting 11, and had 240 carries for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, all career highs.

2024 Honors

Football Writers Association of America First-Team All-American

Phil Steele First-Team All-American

Sporting News First-Team All-American

Walter Camp First-Team All-American

Associated Press Second-Team All-American

American Football Coaches Association Second-Team All-American

Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year

First-Team All-Big Ten (coaches; media)

Unanimous selection Associated Press First-Team All-Big Ten

Phil Steele First-Team All-Big Ten

Doak Walker Award finalist

Maxwell and Walter Camp Award semifinalist

AP, CBS Sports, Sporting News, The Athletic Midseason All-America

Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week and Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week for his performance at Minnesota

Senior Bowl Co-Offensive National Player of the Week for his performance vs. Washington

Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his performance vs. Wisconsin

Roy Carver MVP, offense

Iowa September Male Athlete of the Month