Social media takes issue with Diontae Johnson’s “effort” on Jaylen Warren’s fumble

So, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had quite the week. After the got themselves embarrassed by the Cleveland Browns last Sunday, head coach Mike Tomlin made the wise decision to fire offensive coordinator Matt Canada. But the aftereffects of Pittsburgh’s broken offense were also clear. Right after that game, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, receiver Diontae Johnson got into a “heated argument” with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick that teammates Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt had to break up.

Evidently, Johnson’s fight didn’t extend to the Steelers’ Sunday game against the Cincinnati Bengals. With 4:45 left in the first quarter, running back Jaylen Warren fumbled the ball, and it was recovered by Bengals cornerback DJ Turner.

FUMBLE!! DJ Turner Picks up the Jaylen Warren fumble and takes the Steelers out of scoring positions! pic.twitter.com/nYwv58UGLZ

— BahdAzzButter (@BahdAzzButter) November 26, 2023

Now, at the top of the screen, you’ll notice that Johnson is in a fake screen look, and he doesn’t even appear to be aware of the fumble happening right next to him. Which allowed Turner to pick up the ball and return it 28 yards to the Cincinnati 11-yard line.

Not great, and social media had all kinds of things to say about it.

Diontae Johnson (No. 18) appeared to have a chance at this loose ball, but was not able to make it happen pic.twitter.com/B736lPSx8H

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 26, 2023

I’d love to get Minkah’s thoughts on this. pic.twitter.com/4E5MsAe99U

— Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) November 26, 2023

Diontae Johnson (No. 18) appeared to have a chance at this loose ball, but was not able to make it happen pic.twitter.com/B736lPSx8H

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 26, 2023

Will bet Diontae Johnson is wearing a different uniform in 2024 pic.twitter.com/MLSci5TmVa

— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) November 26, 2023

Diontae Johnson walking when there’s a live ball on the field is just the icing on the cake 😂😂😂

pic.twitter.com/qo4wwrALnV

— PickensBurgh🫡 (Tino) (@PickensBurgh) November 26, 2023

I love Diontae Johnson

But you’ve gotta put in more effort than this…

Come on man
pic.twitter.com/GrG14wPgY9

— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) November 26, 2023

Diontae Johnson fue de paseo… no se preocupó ni por hacer el mínimo intento de recuperar ese balón fumbleado, ¿para qué verdad? 🤦🏻‍♀️🤬 #NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/O1xh6JraxM

— Ariana  (@SoyOtraAriana) November 26, 2023

You have to admire Diontae Johnson’s dedication. Maximum effort.

pic.twitter.com/BSrdVZSx1y

— Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) November 26, 2023