Mike Tomlin Says Diontae Johnson Can’t Let Emotions Affect Him After Appearing to Quit on Play

Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson caught heat from NFL fans after he appeared to give zero effort when his team fumbled early in Sunday’s 16–10 win over the Bengals.

A video that has since gone viral shows Johnson not moving as the ball fell loose. When asked about this moment on Tuesday, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin didn’t want to speak for his player fully.

“Diontae can’t let the emotions of the previous down affect his next down, but I’ll give him an opportunity to address that with you guys,” Tomlin said, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “I’ll give him an opportunity to address that with his teammates. I’m not going to add any additional color. I think plays like that are best described and outlined by those involved and less so by guys like me.”

Yeah… Diontae Johnson has completely given up with the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/64qxh3tKdz

— Brandon Little (@BrandonLittleBL) November 26, 2023

What many speculated had caused Johnson’s lack of effort during the fumble was the play before in which Johnson appeared to catch a touchdown, but the call was negated after he dropped the ball out-of-bounds. Tomlin declined to challenge the call.

Johnson admitted after the game that he “didn’t see” the fumble happening and was just focused on his role at that time. The receiver hasn’t spoken more on what happened since his post-game press conference.