According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston, Johnston has agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This will be the third team for Johnston, who will enter his eighth NFL season. Johnston began his career with the Philadelphia Eagles and then moved to the Houston Texans.
After a productive four-year career at Ohio State, Johnston was an undrafted free agent in 2017. The Geelong, Victoria, Australia native signed a contract with the Eagles shortly after the NFL Draft. Johnston quickly became a key special teams player in Philadelphia, averaging 48.1 yards per punt during his rookie season. During his three seasons with the Eagles, Johnston averaged 47 yards per kick, 41.8 net yards per punt, managed 17 touchbacks and 78 punts that landed inside the 20-yard line.
Following the 2020 season, Johnston was again a free agent, signing a deal with the Texans. He continued to be productive in Texas, averaging 47.4 yards per attempt, 41.8 net yards per attempt, 11 touchbacks and placed 104 punts inside the 20-yard line. Johnston lead the NFL in total punts (88) and punt yards in 2021 (4,108) and had his best season of his career in 2022 when he averaged 48.1 yards per punt and had a career-high 37 kicks downed inside the 20-yard line.
When Johnston came to Columbus in 2013, finding a former Australian Rules Football player to be a collegiate punter was still a relatively new idea. Four years later and programs across the country look down under in hopes to find the range and specificity Johnston brings to his punts.
After leading the Big Ten in punting two of his first three seasons, Johnston entered 2016 with high expectations. Twice, he was a Ray Guy Award semifinalist, but was never able to bring home the award.
It was a memorable year for him as a senior. With an average of 46.2 yards per punt, Johnston led the league and placed fifth nationally, helping Ohio State finish close to the top of the nation in terms of opponent’s average starting field position.
Johnston will be joining former defensive tackle Cameron Heyward of the Buckeyes in Pittsburgh. After falling to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round of the 2018 NFL playoffs, he will want to maintain his punting success as the Steelers attempt to return to the postseason in 2024.
