Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson shared on Instagram this week that he was baptized, calling it “one of the most powerful and meaningful moments of my life.”
In a heartfelt post, Johnson reflected on the significance of the decision: “As an athlete, I’ve spent hours, months and years training, competing and pushing my limits… But today wasn’t about physical strength or winning a game — it was about surrendering my heart and declaring my faith in Jesus Christ.”
He went on to say that baptism marked a turning point of “dying to my old self and rising anew in God’s grace, ready to walk in His purpose for me.”
Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 224-pound running back out of Iowa, was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 83rd overall pick. Known for his power and acceleration, he capped off a record-setting season at Iowa with 1,537 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns.
But as he begins his NFL journey, Johnson said his performance no longer defines him.
“In a world where identity is often defined by performance,” he wrote, “I’ve found my true identity in Christ — not in trophies, titles or stats, but in being loved, chosen and redeemed.”
