Big Ben Elated as Diontae Johnson Scores First TD in Two Years

After 119 receptions and 655 days, Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson finally caught a touchdown pass from someone other than Ben Roethlisberger. Against the Ttians, Johnson saw his first touchdown from Kenny Pickett, and to say a feeling of relief washed over him would be an understatement.

“655 days since I’ve scored. I’m happy I was there to get in the endzone today,” Johnson said. “I saw it on Twitter today. I was like, really? It’s been that long? But, like I said, I’m happy I got in the endzone and looking forward to getting in the endzone next week.”

Last year, Diontae Johnson set the record for most receptions without a touchdown catch. Somehow, it just avoided him. But in a huge moment, the Steelers schemed Johnson open for the touchdown.  But it was not just his teammates on the field who were happy for Johnson. His former quarterback, Roethlisberger, threw to Johnson for three seasons when he was at the helm. He live-streamed the second half of the game and had quite the reaction when he saw Johnson break his streak. You can even see his reaction change as the play occurs.

“Diontae’s wide open,” Roethlisberger said as Johnson broke towards the pylon.

Big Ben reacts to Kenny Pickett’s game winning touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson#steelers #kennypickett

🎥YT/FootbahlinwithBenRoethlisberger pic.twitter.com/cXAuSlPqrn

— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) November 3, 2023

“Diontae got his first touchdown from Kenny! Tae, congratulations,” Roethlisberger exclaimed. “It’s been like a year and a half since he caught a touchdown. Now, they’re best friends. He’s going to catch like a million of them. They just needed to get him one back. There you go.”

Johnson’s long spell is over, and he hopes it will continue to get more fruitful from here. The Steelers had tried to get him into the endzone, but it seemed like it would not happen against all odds. Then, on this play, they finally cracked the seal. Johnson is playing well since coming back from his hamstring injury in three games and has allowed the Steelers to have a more effective passing game as George Pickens draws double teams.