The Seattle Seahawks scored an easy touchdown on a botched kickoff return by the Pittsburgh Steelers during Sunday's NFL game at Acrisure Stadium.
It happened with 12:46 remaining in the fourth quarter after the Seahawks had just scored a field goal to take a 17-14 lead. The kickoff by Seahawks kicker Jason Myers bounced at the 10-yard line and started rolling towards Steelers rookie returner Kaleb Johnson inside the 5. The ball suddenly kicked up and bounced over the head of Johnson and into the end zone.
Johnson may have thought the ball was dead, which may explain why he did not chase after it for the touchback. However, even though the ball reached the end zone, it was still live. Seahawks running back George Holani, who normally returns kicks for the Seahawks but also helps out in kickoff coverage, landed on the ball before it crossed the back line, giving the Seahawks a surprise touchdown and leaving the Steelers stunned.
The Pittsburgh Steelers put the special in special teams
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 14, 2025
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We have seen college football teams recover their own kickoff for a TD before, but we have not seen this happen at the NFL level. Looks like Johnson may not have been familiar with the NFL kickoff rules and made a rookie mistake. We would expect that he will not make that same mistake again.
The Steelers responded with a field goal on their next offensive drive, but the Seahawks got the ball back and scored a touchdown themselves to put the game away, winning the game 31-17. Both teams are now 1-1 on the season.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
