‘Prayers Up for Him,’ ‘Talk to Somebody’ — NFL Fans Deeply Worried After Former Steelers Pro Bowler’s Raw Mental Health Confession

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson released a concerning video on social media on Saturday, talking about his mental health struggles more than a year after the Cleveland Browns cut him.

Fans React to Diontae Johnson’s Emotional Admission

Fans on X were worried about Johnson after the clip of him admitting his struggles went viral.

One fan commended Johnson for speaking out about his struggles.

“Damn. Everyone knows this happens a lot to ex-NFL players, but a lot don’t talk about it. You just find out eventually in the police blotter or obituaries. Good for him for speaking out and I hope it all ends well for him,” the fan wrote.

Damn. Everyone knows this happens a lot to ex-NFL players, but a lot don’t talk about it. You just find out eventually in the police blotter or obituaries. Good for him for speaking out and I hope it all ends well for him.

— Bold Original New Era Research (@BoldResearchLLC) September 19, 2026

Another fan advised the former Steelers wide receiver to seek professional help.

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“Prayers up for you bro!!! Keep ya faith in god and talk to somebody,” the fan posted.

Prayers up for you bro !!! Keep ya faith in god and talk to somebody 💪🏾💪🏾

— Kamil Jackson (@Kamjack87) September 20, 2026

One fan sympathized with the former Steelers star.

“He was a solid WR when he was in Pittsburgh. Sure he would have a bonehead play from time to time, but solid nonetheless. But football aside, I hope he can get to a better place mentally. Struggling mentally really sucks… prayers up for him,” the fan remarked.

He was a solid WR when he was in Pittsburgh. Sure he would have a bonehead play from time to time, but solid nonetheless. But football aside, I hope he can get to a better place mentally. Struggling mentally really sucks… prayers up for him 🙏

— Bobby Macblain (@BobbyMacblain24) September 20, 2026

Another fan attributed Johnson’s struggles to CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy).

“CTE is so real. This is crazy,” the fan opined.

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One fan suggested that Johnson could still make an NFL comeback.

“If he’s still a precision route guy, we could use him! He was open in an instant most times,” the fan commented.

If he’s still a precision route guy, we could use him ! He was open in an instant most times.

— Ⓐūštįñ Pörtęr 🐍🏴‍☠️ (@Oldmanshouting) September 19, 2026

Another fan wished the former Steelers wideout good luck after his confession.

“Best of luck on getting past this, Diontae!” the fan wrote.

Best of luck on getting past this Diontae!

— Ted Lugardo (@tluga44) September 19, 2026

After a stellar college football career with the Toledo Rockets, the Steelers selected Johnson No. 66 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. He earned a Second-Team All-Pro selection as a punt returner in his rookie season, and then earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and signed a lucrative two-year, $36.71 million contract extension in 2022.

He was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2024 after five seasons in Pittsburgh. Later that year, Johnson was traded to the Baltimore Ravens. The former Toledo wide receiver was suspended for one game for refusing to play in the Ravens’ Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Ravens waived him after the incident.

The Houston Texans claimed Johnson off waivers before releasing him and paving the way for his return to Baltimore for his second stint. He signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns in 2025 but was released during final roster cuts. In five seasons in Pittsburgh, Johnson caught 391 passes for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns.