Jets' star defensive end Jermaine Johnson gets Pro Bowl nod replacing Khalil Mack
The 2023 version of the New York Jets did not have the season many had hoped, especially after losing Aaron Rodgers to a season ending Achilles injury just four offensive plays into the year. But there is some reason for hope, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Jets have a stout young […]
The 2023 version of the New York Jets did not have the season many had hoped, especially after losing Aaron Rodgers to a season ending Achilles injury just four offensive plays into the year. But there is some reason for hope, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The Jets have a stout young defense lead by Quinnen Williams and Sauce Garnder, but it may be time to add a third name to that list – Jermaine Johnson.
Johnson, who enjoyed a breakout sophomore season for New York, can now add “Pro Bowler” to his NFL resume.
Johnson was selected as a fifth alternate for the Pro Bowl games in Orlando when the rosters were announced earlier this month, but will get his shot to showcase his skills in place of the Los Angeles Chargers Khalil Mack.
After playing a reserve role as a rookie, Johnson started every game for the Jets in his second season. He had 55 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in those appearances.
Johnson will join Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams as the representatives of the New York Jets in Orlando.
While the NFL no longer plays a traditional football game for the Pro Bowl, it still pits some of the best players in the league against each other. The skills competition is on Thursday, while the flag football game and other events are on Sunday.
Players will compete in events such as dodgeball and a closest-to-the-pin golf contest on Thursday, while the 7-on-7 flag football game will come after an obstacle course challenge and tug-of-war game on Sunday.
A Deserving Honor
Taken in the same draft as Sauce Gardner, Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, Johnson was considered the “other guy” from the Jets fantastic 2023 draft class. Johnson was fantastic for New York this year and made his presence felt on a defense that dragged the offense to seven wins this year.
Johnson took a huge leap from his freshman to his sophomore season and the Jets will look for even more improvement in year three from the 25-year-old as he becomes more of integral part of the Jets stellar defense.
"I haven't proved anything," he told reporters after the season. "What I did has been done. I haven't done anything after that. So just keep going, staying humble, and reminding myself I haven't done nothing."
With half of the Jets defensive front set to hit free agency this Winter including stand out Bryce Huff, Jefferson will need to shoulder more of the work-load if the Jets defense can return to form in 2024.
Jets veteran is about to cost the team in the best possible way
It’s a good problem to have.
