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Beloved Former Steelers Unsigned After Cleveland Workout — Issues Emotional Plea to Return to Pittsburgh

Can Diontae Johnson save the Steelers' struggling offense? | Pittsburgh  Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh, Pa. — August 29, 2025 — Veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson finds himself on the open market once again after being released by the Cleveland Browns during final roster cutdowns. And now, with his NFL future in question, the former Steelers standout has publicly expressed a desire to reunite with Pittsburgh, the team that drafted him and where he spent the first five seasons of his career.

Johnson, 28, was a staple of the Steelers’ passing attack from 2019–23, amassing over 4,300 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns while serving as a trusted target for both Ben Roethlisberger and Kenny Pickett. Known for his precise route running and ability to create separation, Johnson earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and was often seen as the steadying force in Pittsburgh’s receiving corps.

From a football standpoint, Johnson would profile as a veteran complement to the Steelers’ younger playmakers. With George Pickens ascending into a WR1 role and Calvin Austin still developing, Johnson’s experience and chemistry with the Steelers’ system could add reliability and depth to a unit that struggled with consistency last season. Any reunion would likely come via a team-friendly, incentive-laden deal, keeping roster flexibility intact while adding a familiar presence.

In a message directed to Steelers Nation, Johnson struck an emotional tone:

“Pittsburgh was more than just football to me—it was home. The fans, the coaches, the city itself… that’s where I grew up in this league. I made plays in black and gold that I’ll never forget, and even when I left, a part of me stayed at Heinz Field. If the call comes, I’d run back without hesitation. I want to put the ‘Steelers’ across my chest again and finish what I started.”

As of publication, the Steelers have not announced any transaction involving Johnson. The organization is expected to continue evaluating its roster as Week 1 approaches, but the possibility of a reunion with a familiar face looms large.

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Eagles Star CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 game , as his cousin Justin Fuller a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.   Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.”   DeJean —whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dejean that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how he lives and plays today.” In the Eagles’ defensive system, DeJean has steadily earned complete trust thanks to his versatility — working outside at corner, in the slot (nickel), and on coverage units — and standing out for top-end speed, precise tackling angles, and the ability to read quarterbacks. Coaches describe him as “calm, wise beyond his years, and disciplined at the catch point,” consistently maintaining leverage and finishing clean in tight spaces. Through the first five games of 2025, DeJean has played every defensive snap and totaled 36 tackles (26 solo) with five passes defensed, reinforcing his value on the perimeter and inside.  The Philadelphia Eagles have provided time and private support for DeJean and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. An FAA investigation into the accident is underway, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in across social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. DeJean kept his public remarks brief before being embraced by teammates:“He taught me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”