Rookie Requests to Miss Week 1 After Mother’s Accident — Steelers Say No

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson has requested to miss the 2025 NFL season opener (Week 1) in order to care for his mother, Juanielle Finley, who was injured in a car accident while working as a delivery driver for the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. The team, however, denied the request, while pledging full support to ensure Johnson can focus on football and bring glory to Pittsburgh.

Johnson, a former All-American at Iowa, was largely raised by his grandparents, the late Charlene Strader (who passed away in 2017) and Jeffery Strader, after his mother gave birth to him at just 17 years old. According to a family source, Finley’s recent accident has been a serious one, leaving Johnson eager to be at her side during this difficult time.

“Kaleb is a devoted son. He just wants to make sure his mother is cared for in the best way possible,” a family friend shared.

Drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson voiced his wish to sit out the opener to help his mother recover. But given his importance to head coach Mike Tomlin’s and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offensive plans, the team decided to keep him active.

In a recent interview, Johnson expressed heartfelt gratitude toward the Steelers:

“I have no words to thank this team enough. They’re not just teammates — they’re my second family. When I found out about my mother’s accident, the Steelers were there, supporting me in every way so I could keep fighting. They make me believe I can bring glory back to Pittsburgh — for my mom and for this team.”

While the team stood firm on keeping Johnson active, they immediately moved to provide world-class care. The Steelers coordinated with UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, placing Finley in a private recovery suite with 24/7 medical monitoring. Team doctors and specialists are actively involved, and the organization has pledged to cover all medical expenses.

Additionally, the Steelers arranged housing, transportation, and daily updates for Johnson’s family, ensuring he can stay focused on the field.

“They’re making sure my mom has specialists and nurses around the clock. That gives me peace of mind,” Johnson said. “The Steelers have shown me they’re not just a team — they’re family.”

Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2024 at Iowa, and he is expected to replace departed starter Najee Harris. He flashed his potential in preseason, forcing seven missed tackles across two games, though his pass protection remains an area of development — one reason Tomlin emphasized Johnson’s importance to the active roster.

Steelers fans were split in their responses on social media. Some supported the team’s stance, seeing Johnson as vital in the fierce AFC North race:

“Kaleb needs to stay. He’s the future of this offense. The Steelers will take care of his mom,” one fan wrote.

Others, however, sympathized with Johnson’s request:

“Let Kaleb be with his mom. Family comes first.”

The Steelers’ 2025 opener will be a major challenge, and Johnson is expected to play a central role in Arthur Smith’s power-running scheme. With the team’s support, he can focus on delivering explosive runs reminiscent of his Iowa days, while pushing Pittsburgh toward long-awaited playoff glory.

Johnson’s story is about more than football talent — it’s about balancing family responsibilities with professional ambition. With their commitment to support him, the Steelers are proving they are not just building a football team, but a family.