Steelers' Diontae Johnson Recounts An Unbelievable Story: Ben Roethlisberger Said "Just Go To Mason [Rudolph]"

The Pittsburgh Steelers were lucky enough to be led by Ben Roethlisberger for 18 seasons. However, like all players, especially quarterbacks, Roethlisberger had his ups and downs both on and off the field. While he was always able to pull his team together on the field and make amazing things happen, there are plenty of stories of how he rubbed folks the wrong way. The most well-known one references his relationship with his longtime backup quarterback, Mason Rudolph. However, one of Roethlisberger's wide receivers shares the story of the frosty welcome he got when he tried to connect with his leader. 

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was drafted by the Steelers in 2019 in the third round out of Toledo. Johnson, who is a bit undersized at 5'10" and 183 lbs, is used to being initially doubted. Regardless, he arrived in Pittsburgh ready to get to work and prove all of his doubters wrong. 

Johnson was a recent guest on former Steelers linebacker, Arthur Moats' podcast, The Arthur Moats Experience. During the episode, he shared with Moats that he had to work hard to get into Roethlisberger's good graces after an early mistake. 

"I was at training camp my rookie year and I ran the wrong route during the routes on air, and he [Roethlisberger] dropped the ball, told me to go to the other line. You know what I'm saying? He didn't throw the ball to me the whole rest of the practice at all. Like literally he told me, 'Go to the other line with Mason [Rudolph].' No offense to those guys, but go to their line," recounted Johnson.

During training camp, because there are so many players competing for spots and needing to be worked out, they break the team up into groups by their position on the roster. Clearly, Roethlisberger would be on the first team line, and at that time, Mason Rudolph would have been Roethlisberger's backup. Johnson said he went to Head Coach Mike Tomlin for help navigating what was a bigger deal to Roethlisberger than it was to Johnson. 

"I'm like Coach T [Mike Tomlin], what's going on? It's just big business, you know - control what I can, he'll come back around."

Evidently, Roethlisberger came around on his new young receiver because the two connected quite a bit during the veteran quarterback's last few years with the team.  

Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Thinks Highly Of Diontae Johnson

Johnson has had his share of struggles since Roethlisberger left the Steelers. After overcoming a case of the "dropsies" in 2021, he had his worst statistical season to date in 2022. After signing a $36.71 million contract extension during the summer of 2022, fans had high expectations for the young receiver, despite not knowing then who would be under center. 

As the 2022 season started, Johnson was the fourth receiver in Steelers history to record at least 100 catches and 1,000 yards in a season during 2021. In 2022, he caught 86 receptions for 882 yards, but didn't score one single touchdown. That stat stood out like a sore thumb for Johnson all season and continues to be a focus in 2023. 

The 2022 and 2023 seasons have something else in common - they both are getting off to a rocky start. The Steelers did not turn it around until after the 2022 bye week. Unfortunately, the Steelers already had their bye this season and look as discombobulated as ever. However, instead of being a hindrance, Johnson has become an offensive weapon again. 

After suffering a hamstring injury during the brutal Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, he was placed on the injured reserve list. Johnson finally returned to the gridiron Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, and it felt fantastic to have him back. Not only is he a weapon, but having him on the field helps take up the defense's attention. Now all that remains is him finally getting in the end zone again. 

Why do you think Johnson hasn't made it in the end zone in so long? Are you surprised that Roethlisberger shooed Johnson away? Click to tell us what you think below! 

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