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Former Steelers Draft Pick Visits Pittsburgh After Ravens Release, Hopes for Reunion

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Diontae Johnson Will Not Rejoin Ravens This Week

Pittsburgh, PA – September 30, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers may be on the verge of a familiar reunion. After a turbulent stretch with multiple teams, one of their former draft picks has returned to Pittsburgh with hopes of donning black and gold once again.

That player is wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who spent five seasons with the Steelers from 2019 to 2023 before a short and difficult stint elsewhere. Released by the Baltimore Ravens late in 2024, Johnson made a surprise visit to the Steelers’ facility this week.

“Leaving Pittsburgh was the hardest part of my career. I never wanted to wear purple, and when the Ravens let me go, I knew where my heart belonged,” Johnson said.

“Walking back into the Steelers’ facility today felt like coming home — I just hope I get the chance to put the black and gold back on.”

Johnson was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, quickly carving out a role as one of the team’s top pass catchers. Across 77 games in Pittsburgh, he tallied 391 receptions, 4,363 yards, and 25 touchdowns, while earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and a Second-Team All-Pro honor in 2019 as a punt returner.

His time with Pittsburgh was defined by sharp route-running, explosive plays, and occasional struggles with drops. Still, he was a pivotal piece of the post-Ben Roethlisberger offense, helping the Steelers reach the playoffs in 2020 and 2021.

After being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2024 and then briefly playing for the Ravens, Johnson’s career hit turbulence. A team suspension in Baltimore and lack of production left his future in doubt. Now 29 years old, he’s determined to write a new chapter back where it all started.

For the Steelers, the timing could be significant. With injuries thinning the wide receiver corps behind DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III, Johnson’s experience and familiarity with Pittsburgh’s system could offer a much-needed boost.

Whether the front office takes a chance on reuniting with Johnson remains to be seen, but for Steelers Nation, the idea of seeing him back in black and gold is already sparking heavy debate across social media.

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, 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.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , 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 Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.