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Kerryon Johnson

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Kerryon Johnson
refer to caption
Johnson with the Detroit Lions in 2018
North Alabama Lions
Position:Director of player development
Personal information
Born: (1997-06-30) June 30, 1997 (age 27)
Huntsville, Alabama, U.S.
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:211 lb (96 kg)
Career information
High school:Madison Academy (Madison, Alabama)
College:Auburn (2015–2017)
NFL draft:2018 / round: 2 / pick: 43
Career history
As a player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards:1,225
Rushing average:4.3
Rushing touchdowns:8
Receptions:61
Receiving yards:527
Receiving touchdowns:3
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Kerryon Johnson (born June 30, 1997) is an American former professional football player who was a running back who is currently the director of player development at the University of North Alabama. He played college football for the Auburn Tigers and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft.

Early life

[edit]

Johnson attended Madison Academy in Madison, Alabama. While there, he played on the Mustangs high school football team.[1] As a senior, he rushed 1,659 yards with 25 touchdowns.[2] He committed to Auburn University to play college football.[3][4] Johnson had offers from Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, LSU, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, and USC. He ultimately chose to attend Auburn.[5]

College career

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As a freshman at Auburn in 2015, Johnson was a backup to future NFL starter Peyton Barber and Jovon Robinson, and never reached 10 rushes or 40 rushing yards in a game, though he was used occasionally as a kick returner and reached 161 all-purpose yards against Kentucky.[6] On the year, he rushed 208 yards on 52 carries with three touchdowns.[7] As a sophomore in 2016, he began the season starting six games, before becoming the backup to Kamryn Pettway, recording 895 rushing yards on 182 carries and 11 touchdowns.[8] He had six touchdowns and 512 rushing yards through his first five games, averaged eight carries for 33 yards and one touchdown through the next three as a backup, returned to form with games of 99 and 108 yards and a touchdown each in relief, before ending the season with a 39-yard game against #1 Alabama in the Iron Bowl, and a 33-yard game in the Sugar Bowl loss to Oklahoma, though he did throw for a touchdown in the contest.[6]

As a junior in 2017, Johnson became the Tigers' dominant rusher, with almost three times as many carries as any other player on the team. He rushed for over 100 yards in ten of the team's twelve regular season contests, including 204 yards and three touchdowns against Ole Miss,[9] 233 yards-from-scrimmage and a touchdown in a win over #1 Georgia,[10] and 104 yards with both a rushing and a passing touchdown in a signature victory over #1 Alabama in the regular season finale. However, the #2 Tigers lost the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship in a rematch with Georgia, where Johnson was limited to 44 yards.[11] In the subsequent Peach Bowl, Johnson had 71 rushing yards and a touchdown in the loss to #10 Central Florida. On the season, he recorded 1,391 yards (sixth best season in school history) on 285 carries for 18 rushing touchdowns (third) and 20 total touchdowns, leading the SEC in all four categories.[12] At the conclusion of the season, Johnson was named the SEC offensive player of the year. He ended his career at Auburn with 2,494 career rushing yards (11th in school history), 32 rushing touchdowns (tied for fourth).[13] On January 2, 2018, Johnson announced that he would forgo his senior year and enter the 2018 NFL draft.[14]

College statistics

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Season Team GP Rushing Receiving
Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD
2015 Auburn 12 52 208 4.0 3 14 159 11.4 0
2016 Auburn 12 182 895 4.9 11 17 125 7.4 0
2017 Auburn 12 285 1,391 4.9 18 24 194 8.1 2
Career 36 519 2,494 4.8 32 55 478 8.7 2

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 11+1⁄2 in
(1.82 m) 		213 lb
(97 kg) 		32+1⁄2 in
(0.83 m) 		9+3⁄4 in
(0.25 m)		 4.52 s 1.63 s 2.66 s 4.29 s 7.07 s 40 in
(1.02 m)		 10 ft 6 in
(3.20 m)		 11 reps
All values from NFL Combine[15][16]

Detroit Lions

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Johnson was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.[17] He was the sixth running back to be selected that year.[18] He made his NFL debut in the season opener against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. In the 48–17 loss, he had five carries for 17 yards and three receptions for 20 yards.[19] In a 26–10 Sunday Night Football victory over the New England Patriots in Week 3, Johnson rushed for 101 yards, becoming the first Lions' player since Reggie Bush in 2013 to rush for more than 100 yards.[20] The performance won him the starting role over LeGarrette Blount, which he used to score his first NFL touchdown the following week against the Dallas Cowboys though he was limited to just nine carries.[21] He added 70 yards against the Green Bay Packers before the Week 6 bye.[22] In Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins, Johnson rushed for 158 yards on 19 carries with an additional 21 yards on two catches in a 32–21 victory. Nearly half of his rushing yards came on a 71-yard carry early in the game.[23] He was second-youngest Lions' player to reach 150 yards rushing by just three days to Barry Sanders, and the first Lions' player of any age since Jahvid Best in 2011.[24] He expanded his role in the passing game with career bests of six receptions for 69 yards in Week 8, and after just 43 yards-from-scrimmage in Week 9, notched both a rushing and his first career receiving touchdown in Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears.[25] In the Week 11 win over the Carolina Panthers, Johnson had 87 yards and a rushing touchdown before spraining his left knee in the third quarter and missed the next four games. He was placed on injured reserve on December 19, 2018.[26][27]

In Week 2 of the 2019 season against the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson rushed 12 times for 41 yards and caught two passes for 47 yards and a touchdown as the Lions won 13–10.[28] In Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Johnson rushed 26 times for 125 yards and caught two passes for 32 yards in the 34–30 loss.[29] He was placed on injured reserve on October 22, 2019, after undergoing knee surgery.[30] He was designated for return from injured reserve on December 4, 2019, and began practicing with the team again.[31] He was activated on December 21, 2019, prior to Week 16.[32] Overall, in the 2019 season, Johnson finished with 403 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with 10 receptions for 127 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.[33]

On May 6, 2021, Johnson was waived by the Lions.[34]

Philadelphia Eagles (first stint)

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On May 7, 2021, Johnson was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles.[35] On August 17, 2021, he was waived by the Eagles with an injury designation and placed on injured reserve.[36] He was released on August 26.

San Francisco 49ers

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On September 14, 2021, Johnson was signed to the practice squad of the San Francisco 49ers.[37] He was released on October 5.[38]

Philadelphia Eagles (second stint)

[edit]

Following Miles Sanders suffering a broken bone in his hand and Jordan Howard suffering a stinger, Johnson was signed to the Eagles practice squad on December 28.[39] He was released on January 10, 2022.[40]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2018 DET 10 7 118 641 5.4 71 3 32 213 6.7 24 1 1 1
2019 DET 8 8 113 403 3.6 20 3 10 127 12.7 36 1 1 1
2020 DET 16 2 52 181 3.5 14 2 19 187 9.8 20 1 1 1
2021 SF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 35 17 283 1,225 4.3 71 8 61 527 8.6 36 3 3 3

Personal life

[edit]

Johnson and former MTV's The Real World: San Diego (2011 season) and The Challenge castmember Ashley Kelsey welcomed their first daughter, Snoh Marie Johnson, on June 8, 2021.[41]

In June 2023, he was announced as the Director of Player Development at North Alabama.[42]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Boyette, Daniel (December 4, 2014). "Madison Academy 70, Dale County 34: Kerryon Johnson, Mustangs three-peat with record-shattering performance". AL.com. Archived from the original on February 14, 2023. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  2. ^ Boyette, Daniel (January 11, 2015). "Why Auburn commit Kerryon Johnson should win Mr. Football". Huntsville, Alabama: AL.com (Alabama Media Group). Archived from the original on January 17, 2015. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  3. ^ Hamilton, Gerry (April 15, 2014). "Scout's take: Kerryon Johnson to Auburn". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  4. ^ Black, Ryan (July 31, 2014). "Auburn football: 2015 commit Kerryon Johnson takes realist perspective, undaunted by Tigers' RB depth". Ledger-Enquirer. Columbus, Georgia. Archived from the original on November 13, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  5. ^ "Kerryon Johnson Recruit Interests". 247sports.com. Archived from the original on December 29, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  6. ^ a b "Kerryon Johnson Career Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  7. ^ Green, Tom (August 4, 2016). "Kerryon Johnson ready to be Auburn's No. 1 running back: 'This is who he is'". Alabama Media Group. Archived from the original on November 13, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  8. ^ Vitale, Josh (August 5, 2017). "Kerryon Johnson says Auburn will 'definitely' have two 1,000-yard rushers this season". Dothan Eagle. Dothan, Alabama. Archived from the original on December 14, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  9. ^ "Ole Miss at Auburn Box Score, October 7, 2017". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  10. ^ "Georgia at Auburn Box Score, November 11, 2017". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  11. ^ "Georgia vs Auburn Box Score, December 2, 2017". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  12. ^ "Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson to enter NFL draft". USA TODAY. Associated Press. January 2, 2018. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  13. ^ "2018 Auburn Football Media Guide" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  14. ^ Scarborough, Alex (January 2, 2018). "Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson to enter the 2018 NFL draft". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on January 3, 2018. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  15. ^ "NFL Draft Prospect Profile – Kerryon Johnson". NFL.com. March 1, 2018. Archived from the original on April 5, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  16. ^ "Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson : 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". NFLDraftScout.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  17. ^ Birkett, Dave (April 27, 2018). "Detroit Lions trade up with Patriots, select RB Kerryon Johnson". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on August 27, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  18. ^ "2018 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  19. ^ "Lions' Kerryon Johnson: Leads Lions in carries". CBSSports.com. September 10, 2018. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  20. ^ Patra, Kevin (September 24, 2018). "Kerryon Johnson ends Lions' 100-yard rushing drought". NFL.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  21. ^ "Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – September 30th, 2018". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
  22. ^ Monarrez, Carlos (October 7, 2018). "Detroit Lions' Kerryon Johnson on injury: I could have returned". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on February 2, 2019. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  23. ^ Wine, Steven (October 22, 2018). "Johnson's 158 yards rushing help Lions beat Dolphins 32–21". AP News. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  24. ^ "DET, single game, rushing yards". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  25. ^ Schlitt, Erik (November 11, 2018). "Watch: Kerryon Johnson leaps the pile for the touchdown". Lions Wire. Archived from the original on February 2, 2019. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  26. ^ "Lions place RB Kerryon Johnson on Reserve/Injured and activate CB Jamal Agnew". DetroitLions.com. December 19, 2018. Archived from the original on June 21, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  27. ^ "Kerryon Johnson 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 2, 2019. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  28. ^ "Stafford overcomes mistakes to help Lions top Chargers 13-10". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 15, 2019. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  29. ^ "Chiefs score late, stay undefeated with 34-30 win over Lions". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 29, 2019. Archived from the original on September 30, 2019. Retrieved September 29, 2019.
  30. ^ Rothstein, Michael (October 22, 2019). "Lions RB Kerryon Johnson has knee surgery, goes on injured reserve". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  31. ^ Twentyman, Tim (December 4, 2019). "NOTEBOOK: Kerryon Johnson returns to practice". DetroitLions.com. Archived from the original on December 5, 2019. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  32. ^ "Lions activate Kerryon Johnson from Reserve/Injured". DetroitLions.com. December 21, 2019. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  33. ^ "Kerryon Johnson 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
  34. ^ Alper, Josh (May 6, 2021). "Lions officially waive Kerryon Johnson". NBCSports.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  35. ^ Spadaro, Dave (May 7, 2021). "A post-draft bonus? Eagles claim former second-round pick RB Kerryon Johnson off waivers". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
  36. ^ McPherson, Chris (August 17, 2021). "Eagles waive RB Kerryon Johnson, C Luke Juriga, and T Casey Tucker with an injury designation". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Archived from the original on January 29, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  37. ^ "49ers Sign Dre Kirkpatrick, Place Raheem Mostert and Jason Verrett on IR". 49ers.com. September 14, 2021. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  38. ^ "49ers Sign K Joey Slye; Add Three Players to Practice Squad". 49ers.com. October 5, 2021. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  39. ^ Bowman, Paul (December 28, 2021). "Kerryon Johnson Rejoins Eagles Amidst Flurry Of Moves". SportsTalkPhilly.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  40. ^ Bowman, Paul (January 10, 2022). "Eagles Clear COVID List, Place Three on IR". SportsTalkPhilly.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  41. ^ VanHoose, Benjamin (June 9, 2021). "NFL's Kerryon Johnson and The Challenge Alum Ashley Kelsey Welcome Baby Girl Snoh Marie". People. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  42. ^ King, Nathan (June 23, 2023). "Former Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson joins UNA football staff". 247Sports. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
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