Cincinnati Native Says He’d Love To Play For The Bengals
Hometown Hope: Kaleb Johnson Could Be the Next Big Thing for the Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals fans have a reason to keep their eyes on the 2025 NFL Draft — and this time, it’s personal. Kaleb Johnson, a standout running back from the University of Iowa and a Cincinnati native, is gaining traction as a promising prospect for his hometown team.
Johnson has made it clear where he hopes to land. In a recent interview, he shared his desire to play for the Bengals, citing encouragement from former Iowa teammate Erick All Jr., who spoke highly of the organization and its culture. That local connection, mixed with undeniable talent, is giving fans in the Queen City something to get excited about.
The 2024 season saw Johnson break out at Iowa, showcasing a running style that’s already drawn comparisons to former NFL star DeMarco Murray — a mix of power, vision, and big-play ability. His ability to handle a heavy workload and contribute on all downs makes him an attractive addition to any backfield, but especially one dealing with recent injuries.
The Bengals recently extended the contract of Zack Moss, who’s still recovering from a neck injury. While Moss is expected to return strong, adding Johnson could be a strategic move to deepen the running back room and ensure the team has options — and fresh legs — throughout the long grind of the season.
Drafting a hometown player is always a fan-favorite move, but in Johnson’s case, it could also be a smart football decision. With his talent, ties to the city, and eagerness to wear the stripes, Kaleb Johnson might just be the future fan favorite the Bengals didn’t know they needed.
