Former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson Acknowledges Ben Roethlisberger's Helpful Role In Transitioning To Playing With Kenny Pickett

When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Diontae Johnson in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he was fortunate to have the legendary Ben Roethlisberger as his quarterback. Roethlisberger, then 37 years old, only played in two games during Johnson’s rookie season. However, Johnson had the opportunity to play alongside Roethlisberger for two full seasons in 2020 and 2021. He credited Roethlisberger for playing a pivotal role in helping him adjust to playing alongside Kenny Pickett.

Following his trade from the Steelers to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Donte Jackson, Johnson sat down with Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official website for an interview on Thursday. During their conversation, he elaborated on how Roethlisberger had been instrumental in his development.

"Ben always liked to do things his way and I had to kind work around that," Johnson recalled. "So, learn how to play his game, what he liked and what he didn't."

During his rookie year, Johnson capitalized on the opportunity to learn from Roethlisberger. He observed Roethlisberger's resolute approach, acknowledging that the veteran quarterback had earned the right to do things his way, given his Super Bowl victories in Pittsburgh. 

However, Johnson found that adapting to a younger quarterback like Pickett became easier due to the foundation laid by Roethlisberger's methods.

"I feel like [Ben] kind of helped me out adjusting with Kenny. I kind of showed him how I run routes, what to expect here or where I want the ball at or certain stuff like that. He picked up stuff so quick, he didn't really need much help from that standpoint, but on the field, I kind of wanted to just let him know how I play and what he should be expecting."

In 2021, Johnson was elected his first Pro Bowl during Roethlisberger’s final season. He amassed 1,161 receiving yards, eight touchdowns, and 107 receptions, solidifying himself as one of the premier wide receivers in the league. Up until his trade from Pittsburgh, he has stricken fear into NFL secondaries across the league.

Steelers Send Talented But Troubled Receiver To Carolina

The Steelers will undoubtedly feel the absence of Johnson's knack for getting open and making plays on the field. Yet, they won't miss the occasional headaches he could cause off the field. On the gridiron, particularly evident in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, was his failure to attempt a fumble recovery, claiming he didn't see it.