Jaylen Warren is attacking training camp with the intensity of a player who knows his future depends on it. With Najee Harris gone and the RB1 job officially his to lose, the Pittsburgh Steelers running back is making a statement before camp begins.
A viral training video shows Warren sprinting while dragging a flipped soccer goal weighing up to 250 pounds. The display of raw power signals Warren’s readiness to shoulder the full workload in 2025.
Steelers RB Jaylen Warren’s Viral Training Video Signals He’s Ready for RB1 Responsibilities
Warren enters camp as the starter for the first time in his NFL career. With the Steelers set to report to Saint Vincent College on July 23, he’s already making his case for the job. The viral clip shows him sprinting while towing a flipped-over soccer goal, a feat that would flatten most people. The goal reportedly weighs between 150 and 250 pounds, but Warren barely looks fazed.
🚨🚨THIS IS INSANE🚨🚨#STEELERS RUNNING BACK JAYLEN WARREN TRAINS BY RUNNING FULL SPEED PULLING A SOCCER GOAL.
😳😳😳
This is extremely impressive.
pic.twitter.com/IbyW9MDfYj— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) July 3, 2025
This offseason grind serves a clear purpose. Warren is entering the final year of his deal, and while the team is paying him over $5 million this season, a strong year could secure a bigger payday, either from Pittsburgh or elsewhere. However, rookie Kaleb Johnson looms in the background, and some believe the rookie could eventually overtake Warren as the featured back.
The competition creates pressure that can either rattle a player or sharpen him. He’s betting on the latter outcome based on Warren’s training approach.
Warren’s $5.3 Million Prove-It Season Could Define His NFL Future
The starting job represents just one piece of Warren’s puzzle. He’s also fighting against a challenging market for running backs. The NFL’s running back market hasn’t been kind in recent years, but deals like Devin Singletary’s $16.5 million contract with the Giants offer a blueprint for success. If Warren can put together a campaign similar to his 2023 season, where he averaged over five yards per carry and hauled in 61 catches, he could position himself for a similar multi-year deal.
That success hinges on health and consistency, two things he lacked in 2024 due to injuries. Still, Warren’s career 4.8, which has yards per carry and 7.0 yards per reception, shows a level of efficiency that’s hard to ignore. His 2023 performance proved he can handle increased volume while maintaining productivity.
Warren’s compact build, at 5’8″ and 215 pounds, draws comparisons to players like Doug Martin and Maurice Jones-Drew. Both players found success despite their size, using their low center of gravity and power to break tackles and create explosive plays. With Harris now with the Chargers, the backfield belongs to Warren, at least for now.
The timeline works in Warren’s favor. Pittsburgh opens preseason play on Aug. 9 at the Jacksonville Jaguars and starts the regular season on Sept. 7 against the Jets. Warren will have every chance to prove he can deliver RB1 results that match his new RB1 responsibilities. His offseason preparation suggests he’s ready for the challenge.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s presence adds another layer to the competition. The rookie brings fresh legs and upside, but Warren’s experience and proven production give him the edge entering camp. The battle between veteran leadership and rookie potential will define Pittsburgh’s backfield hierarchy throughout the season.
Warren’s training video clearly communicates to teammates, coaches, and competitors alike that he’s not just preparing for a bigger role; he’s preparing to dominate it. The weight he’s dragging in practice represents the expectations he’ll carry all season long.