The NFL record for most catches without a single touchdown

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In a league defined by scoring, Diontae Johnson achieved a statistical anomaly that defied the typical trajectory of a wide receiver. During the 2022 season, he managed to rack up a staggering number of receptions while failing to cross the goal line once, setting a new professional benchmark.

Diontae Johnson's 2022 campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers serves as a fascinating case study in volume versus efficiency. Despite leading his squad with 882 yards from 86 catches at the end of the year, he managed no scores despite being a chief focus of the defence. This feat established a new NFL record for the most receptions in a single season without a touchdown, highlighting a season where his role was defined by yardage accumulation rather than scoring impact.

Johnson's journey to this record was paved by a high-volume collegiate career at the University of Toledo from 2015 to 2018. During those four years, he recorded 135 catches for 2,235 yards and 23 touchdowns, with his sophomore year standing out as a peak of production featuring 74 catches for 1,278 yards. These numbers set the stage for his professional entry in 2019, where he was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the NFL draft—a selection originally acquired in a high-profile trade involving Antonio Brown.

His professional career has been marked by significant mobility and volatility. Following a tenure with the Steelers that featured a 2022 Pro Bowl appearance, Johnson joined the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and Carolina Panthers in quick order. His tenure has been characterized by diverse roles, from being named an All-Pro Second-team punt return specialist in 2020 to facing various injuries and disciplinary suspensions, illustrating the complex, often turbulent path of a modern NFL wide receiver.

The mechanics of Johnson's career reflect the modern NFL's reliance on versatile playmakers. Whether he was setting records for 'empty' yardage or contributing on special teams, his ability to move the chains has made him a recurring piece in various offensive schemes. His career trajectory underscores how individual statistics can sometimes diverge sharply from team success, creating unique historical footnotes in the sport's record books.

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