When you read the phrase “bonehead play,” what Steelers play(s) come to mind first? For me it’s the Marcus Allen huddle penalty of 2022, and the Kaleb Johnson kickoff debacle of 2025.

45 comments

  8. Let’s see.

    * Chase Claypool catching a first down with seconds left in the game, and decides to pose with the ball rather than give it to the official so that the next play could take place without losing too much time on the clock.
    * Plaxico Burress making an incredible catch, then spiking the ball – and since he wasn’t touched, he basically allowed the opposing team to catch the ball after the spike and run it back to the end zone.
    * Mike Tomlin “accidentally” stepping on the field while an opposing player was on the way to the end zone, slowing him down long enough to get tackled.
    * DJ Johnson kicking a player in the helmet during the playoffs, drawing FOUR flags at once and getting tossed.
    * Dave Smith, you have to go back to 1971 for this … he was the first NFL player to run in for a touchdown but drop the ball before crossing the plane, celebrating too early and turning a touchdown into a touchback.

    Will those work?

  10. I’m old enough to remember Barry Foster doing the same thing on a kick off to start his career.

  11. Kaleb Johnson doesnt even crack the top 10. A rookie making a mistake with the rules is way less egregious than most of this list. Chase Claypool celebrating a first down with the clock ticking is probably mine.

  12. Not a football play, but Bubby Brister referring to the wind coming off the lake at three rivers stadium was pretty bone headed.

  15. Gunner tip toe kick return, and Grimble running into a tackle leading to a fumble on the 1 yard line.
    Both are the definition of backup level play.

  16. Limas Sweed trying to watch himself on the scoreboard instead of catching what should have been a deep touchdown bomb several years back

  21. Does it have to be a play on the field? I ask because the DK fan interaction is about as bone headed as it gets even if he has a past with the same fan.

  23. Chase Claypool & his stupid 1st down celebration with no timeouts & the clock running down. 

  26. Usually any of our third and long defensive plays… or 4th quarter “up by 12 points” type defense. The usual let the competition stay in the game so I can’t have a single moment of relaxation until the game is officially over…

    But also, Gunner toe tap and chase celebration are the first to come to mind

  32. Not a Steeler, but anytime a player drops the ball before crossing the end zone

    The Desean Jackson play always comes to mind

  34. Gunner Olszewski toe tapping a kickoff on the 9 instead of letting it go out of bounds

    Shame too because it was a gorgeous toe tap, kickoffs are the only time you dont want to do that

  35. The one defense I give to Kaleb is that in college you can leave the ball for a touch back on a kick off into the end zone. Still not excusable though.

  40. That I have personally seen live? Hands down the Wasted pick of Kaleb Johnson with the kick return from Hell.

  44. Gunner doing pretty much anything.

    Chase claypool losing the game for us by celebrating in minnesota

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