After a standout 2023 season, Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson was likely anticipating a spot on the NFL’s Top 100 players list for 2024. However, that expectation did not pan out.
The 25-year-old, who stands 6 feet tall and weighs 195 pounds, was drafted by Chicago in the second round (No. 50 overall) of the 2020 Draft after an impressive college career at Utah, where he was twice named to the All-Pac-12 First Team. In 2023, he truly came into his own, delivering a remarkable performance for the Bears.
During the season, Johnson recorded 36 tackles (31 solo, 5 assisted), one forced fumble, four interceptions, ten pass deflections, one defensive touchdown, and averaged 0.5 tackles for loss per game.
Over his four-year NFL career, Johnson has amassed 161 total tackles, 41 pass deflections, five interceptions, three forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown. His stellar play led to a franchise tag earlier this offseason and a four-year extension worth $76 million.
When he learned that 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers made the Top 100 list despite a season-ending injury, Johnson expressed his disappointment, as reported by Ari Meirov from The 33rd Team.
#Bears All-Pro CB Jaylon Johnson on being left off the NFL’s Top 100 list:
“It’s bull****. There ain’t no way … Aaron Rodgers didn’t even play in the season and he was voted. … It’s disrespectful.”
(🎥 @dave_bfr)pic.twitter.com/rpQuCuIE7d
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 4, 2024
Johnson didn’t hold back, stating, “It’s bull****. I don’t know how you make Pro Bowl and All-Pro and you’re not a top 100 guy. I guess I could’ve been 101, but Aaron Rodgers didn’t even play in the season and he was voted. Clearly, if players voted for this, they made some mistakes. But at the end of the day, I know the truth, and it’s okay; I’ve got more to show them.”
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Rodgers, a 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time league MVP with the Green Bay Packers, played just four snaps for the New York Jets before suffering an Achilles tendon injury that ended his season.
“It’s disrespectful,” Johnson reiterated. “I know I line up against the best receivers, and they can’t say I’m not one of the best they’ve faced. There’s no way 100 guys are better, especially players who were hurt.”
This season, the Bears’ offense is poised to improve with notable additions, including wide receiver DJ Moore and six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen, as well as top-10 rookie draft pick Rome Odunze. The biggest addition is No. 1 draft pick Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner from USC.
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