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Steelers Bench Rookie Kaleb Johnson From Kickoffs After Seahawks Disaster

Mike Tomlin: Steelers head coach walks out of postgame news conference  after contract question following playoff loss | CNN

Pittsburgh, PA – September 16, 2025

The fallout from Sunday’s 17–31 loss to the Seattle Seahawks continues to ripple through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker room. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday that rookie running back Kaleb Johnson “probably” will not be returning kickoffs in Week 3 following his special teams blunder that gifted Seattle a touchdown.

The play in question came in the second quarter, when Johnson muffed a kickoff deep inside Pittsburgh’s territory. The ball slipped into the end zone, where Seahawks running back George Holani (#36) pounced for a stunning touchdown. The miscue flipped momentum immediately and left Acrisure Stadium in shock.

Tomlin did not hide his frustration in his weekly press conference.

“At this level, mistakes on special teams are magnified. We can’t afford to hand our opponents points. Kaleb’s got talent, but right now, he needs to get back to fundamentals before we trust him in that role again,” Tomlin said.

Johnson, drafted in the third round earlier this year, was expected to add depth to the running back room and contribute on special teams. Instead, his early struggles have put him in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Sources within the team say Pittsburgh is now preparing to rotate in other returners — potentially Calvin Austin III or Anthony McFarland Jr. — to stabilize kickoff duties.

For Johnson, the setback is harsh but not uncommon for a rookie. For Tomlin and the Steelers, however, the margin for error is razor-thin after an 0–2 start in the brutal AFC North. Week 3 may mark a turning point — not just for the team, but for a rookie still searching for his footing under the brightest lights.

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his 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 personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — 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 Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins 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. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told 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.”