Tom Brady!! A household name that has seen it all in the NFL world. From being a seven-time Super Bowl winner to a commentator and minority NFL team owner. Even if you try hard, there may not be anything you can think of that this legend has not done. Just unreal! And because of all of this, it is clear that he deserves to be respected not only now, but for many more years to come. Well, it appears that a new rising player does not think like this.

The rookie in question is none other than the two-time All-American at Michigan, Will Johnson. The 21-year-old has created a lot of buzz in the industry with his entry into the NFL Draft 2025. Johnson has been conducting many interviews and small sessions, one of which was broadcast on CBS Sports. In that interview, the CB was questioned about his Mount Rushmore of Michigan football. It was indeed a tricky question and he thought a little too much before making his final selections. And surprisingly, Tom Brady did not make the final cut to be on his Rushmore.

When asked about who the players are, he said: “I am going to say Charles Woodson, JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum, and the last one is tough, I love myself up there but Aiden Hutchinson.” Aditi Kinkhabwala, the reporter taking the interview, was also a bit confused there. She too thought about the young CB not picking Brady. So after hearing the answer she asked him, “No Tom Brady?” to which the CB stated, “No, I am going to say uh…”

Wow! Saying a ‘no’ directly for a big name like Tom Brady on Mount Rushmore is, albeit strange. But again it was his choice and maybe these players inspired him more than Brady. At the NFL Combine, Will Johnson was seen meeting many teams like the 49ers and the Panthers. And there too, the 21-year-old appeared to be quite confident throughout the event. But this is not the only time he has exuded such confidence.

After scathing words on Tom Brady, Will Johnson looks forward to the NFL Draft

On December 11, 2024, Will Johnson made the brave decision to enter the NFL draft. He is a 6’2″ tall, 202-pound athlete who plays an important role on the field. The cornerback had a stellar CFB career, finishing with 68 tackles, nine interceptions, and 19 passes defended. But, his most notable accomplishment was three pick-sixes in a single year (2024). This record qualifies him as a top ten choice contender in the first round, which is the current projection for him.

Will Johnson has been so confident in his size and stature that he is making big claims. The young star appreciates all other players, but believes he is the best CB that any team can draft this year. He stated in an interview, “A lot of respect to him. He’s won the Heisman, did a lot of great things, but I know I’m the best corner in this draft. I’m gonna just wait until I get on the field and let my play do the talking.”

The cornerback is so talented that maybe even Tom Brady and the Raiders might be interested in bringing him on board. After all, the squad requires a strong defense for the upcoming season, something they have not done much about till now. Only time will tell where Will Johnson will land, so stay tuned with us.