Jermaine Johnson Excited to Face Aaron Rodgers
Jermaine Johnson reached out to his former teammate Aaron Rodgers on Monday night, though he didn’t specify if they talked about their upcoming game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Johnson expressed his eagerness to face off against Rodgers, marking his first game back after tearing his right Achilles tendon in the second week of the previous season.
“I’m definitely excited. He’s excited too. It was great having Aaron around. I genuinely hope he performs well,” Johnson shared. “But when I’m on the field, it’s all business. He understands that. I’m really looking forward to it. Sure, it’s just a game, but for me, it’s a big moment filled with emotions.”
In the Jets’ locker room, Johnson’s spot was close to Rodgers. The latter often gathered teammates around, and Johnson was one to join him frequently. When Johnson sustained his Achilles injury last September, it was Rodgers who provided guidance, having dealt with a similar setback the year before.
This marked the start of Johnson’s lengthy recovery. He was seen on the sidelines with his trainer, pulling a sled as his teammates participated in a three-day mini-camp.
The Jets are hopeful that Johnson can return during training camp, ensuring he’s ready for the regular season. Through this journey, Johnson reflected on what he’s learned about himself.
“I’ve found out I’m quite handy,” he joked, noting he might need to hire help for home tasks now. He then elaborated, “I’ve always been a patient person. The journey wasn’t the easiest or fastest. It’s been a new experience for me, given I’ve never faced a serious injury before. Interestingly, it has somehow boosted my confidence. Going through this has shown me I can handle it.”
The Jets are counting on Johnson to regain his form from before the injury. Last season, he posted 7.5 sacks and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl. His contributions were anticipated to be significant for the defense in 2024—until his injury occurred.
New Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is familiar with Johnson from their time together at the 2022 Senior Bowl. “When I coached him, I noticed he had standout qualities, whether in college or at the Senior Bowl,” Glenn stated. “He’s very athletic, physical, and brings a certain intensity to his game that’s rare.”
The team’s faith in Johnson was evident when they picked up his fifth-year option this spring. If a long-term agreement isn’t reached before then, he is set to secure $13.4 million in 2026.
“It’s a significant commitment,” Johnson acknowledged. “They’ve seen enough of my potential and are willing to invest in me for at least a year. That really matters to me. I take my word seriously, and I aim to honor that.”
