“I’m not strong enough to do this.” Those were Jermaine Johnson’s thoughts the moment he ruptured his ACL in week 2 trying to sack Titans QB Will Levis. Playing for three different colleges and the Jets for 4 years before that ACL, Johnson was never hurt. He went through a brief period of denial, trying to digest the reality of him getting injured. “I was silent for 10,20 seconds because I knew when I finally said what was wrong, it was going to be reality.” Of course, injuries are something the players are scared of. That long path to recovery, months of rehab, and the possibility of losing their explosiveness is not something players look forward to.

However, Johnson, for one, may not have to worry about those things anymore. Just at the beginning of this month, Johnson revealed his recovery is going well, and there’s no chance of a setback, “I spoke to the doc..he said everything looks perfect. He said that thing ain’t re-tearing. Everything is looking good. The explosion is coming back. I’m excited.” Well, excitement is truly the word you need to describe Johnson’s emotions right now. Even today, he posted on his X about a possible scenario surrounding his much-awaited return to the gridiron.

“I’m not going to lie I might get an excessive celebration penalty after my first sack in MetLife this year😂😂😂 I apologize in advance😂😂😂😂💯. I do expect the stadium to go crazy if I’m being honest, I’m trying to feel like Maximus Decimus Meridius🙂‍↕️.” Honestly, we don’t know whether an excessive celebration will land him in trouble or not. But one thing is for sure—MetLife would be bouncing upon the return of their Pro Bowl linebacker.

A year before his ACL, Johnson got 7.5 sacks, 55 total tackles, and 17 QB hits to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl. And also, don’t forget his 37-year INT return in the season finale against the Browns. Clearly, Johnson has the capability to lead the Jets’ defense once he comes back next season. Like the new Jets head coach, Aaron Glenn has also recognized Johnson’s importance to the Jets revival. “I’m excited to have a mind like that and a leader that over here with us. He’s done it at a high level throughout his career, and he’s done it here in New York. That’s a hell of a guy to follow for this position.”

But upon Jermaine’s return, there’s one person whom he could miss in the locker room. Whom he used to call a leader and a role model for a QB—Aaron Rodgers. 

Jermaine Johnson’s dream of returning with Aaron Rodgers shattered

Just a few weeks ago, when Rodgers’ future was still undecided. Johnson was asked to share his thoughts about the possibility of the veteran QB returning. First, he praised Rodgers for his leadership and the aura he carried around himself, “He does a great job of making everyone around him better, which is a very, very key attribute to have in being a good leader, which every quarterback should be.” Then, he went on to spill his true thoughts about sharing the gridiron with Rodgers again. “Yes, obviously I’d like to have him back.”

But it seems the Jets’ new regime had different plans for their veteran QB. In a joint statement, HC Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey announced their intention to move in a different direction at QB. They didn’t entertain the idea of keeping Rodgers in charge of their rebuild after what happened last season. With Rodgers under center, the Jets only won 5 games, failing to make the playoffs for the 14th straight season. Like that’s some crazy consistency for the Jets to keep themselves away from the postseason.

Yes, Aaron Rodgers chipped in with over 3,800 passing yards and 28 TDs. But still, the Jets thought it was better to bring someone new in to get their Jet refueled and ready to fly. So, it remains to be seen whom the Jets will bring before next season. And no matter whom they replace Rodgers with Jermaine Johnson would surely miss his four-time NFL MVP in the locker room.