Making the NFL is the dream of thousands of people across the world. If you’re lucky enough to make it and live out that dream, you have to prove yourself.
And then prove yourself again. And again.
That’s the reality of life for NFL players, and second-year safety Antonio Johnson is no different.
The former fifth-round pick completed his second offseason program with the Jacksonville Jaguars and first in Ryan Nielsen’s system. Johnson has been featured with starters this offseason but is still working as if his position is up for grabs.
Because to him, it is.
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“Each year, each week, you’re going out there and fighting for your spot,” he said. “I just feel like it’s a fresh start. Everybody gets to start at the same spot and you get to prove your ability.”
Johnson plays with a chip on his shoulder from his draft position last year. He was projected to be selected as high as the second round but slid to the third day of the draft.
It’s something that he carries, however, he understands the opportunity granted to him every day that he steps onto the field.
“I tell people all the time, it’s the best thing if can get your name called,” Johnson said reflecting on his draft position last year. “Some people don't get their name called. You have to take that with what it is. And go prove yourself.”
Building trust: Johnson could see different role in Nielsen’s defense
Johnson played in 13 games last year and recorded 17 total tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions with one sack and forced fumble.
He flashed his potential as a longtime starter, but that was under a different defensive coaching staff in a role that was familiar to the way he played at Texas A&M. Last season he was featured at nickel or strong safety, playing at or near the line of scrimmage.
Under Nielsen, it seems his role may change. Johnson has played opposite Andre Cisco in a two-high safety look this offseason.
It’s a change that Johnson and the rest of the defense has taken in stride, according to him.
“He came in, he had a plan, we bought into the plan, and I just see the defense looking good,” Johnson said of Nielsen. “We making plays, we see where we can make our plays. We just have to tweak the little things. Besides that, everything else is going well.”
The way the defense has taken to Nielsen and his staff’s coaching calls to another major point of emphasis by the team this offseason. Building trust.
As last season went off the rails for the Jaguars, trust was lost throughout the team. Whether it was coaches or players, the team didn’t have as strong of a bond as other times during Doug Pederson’s tenure.
Johnson spoke about that trust and how valuable it is for the team’s success.
“Offense has to be able to lean on defense when they struggling, and vice versa, we need to be able to lean on the offense. And then even special teams. We need our special team players to make plays,” he said.
“It's all one cohesive group to make the bigger team. And then for the coaches, we got to have trust that they're gonna put us in the best position to make plays, and for us to showcase our strengths.”
Johnson is prioritizing team success over his own personal goals
Going into the new season, Johnson has pretty simple goals. He doesn't want to lead the league in statistical categories.
He doesn't want accolades or awards. He's not looking to make a name for himself or become a star player.
“Making the 53. Really getting into my role and understanding my role and making the best of it, honestly,” he said. “Whatever that may look like, starting or being a backup, or special team guy. Whatever it is making the best of it and doing it to the best of my ability.”
Earlier this offseason special teams coach Heath Farwell said he might not see a lot of Johnson because he’s going to see an increase of his defensive reps.
But Johnson has a willingness to do whatever the team asks of him if it results in success of the overall club. And that’s part of him proving himself, over and over again.
“I still got that chip on my shoulder, that chip is going to always stay on my shoulder,” Johnson said. “Everybody has to come out and prove their self. There’s no set spot. You still have to go out there and show it on the field.”
Juston Lewis is a Jacksonville Jaguars beat reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on the website formerly known as Twitter at @JustonLewis_.
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