Denver Broncos sign former Vol A.J. Johnson
Weeks after being cleared from legal matters, A.J. Johnson has signed a contract with the Denver Broncos.
After being away from the game of football for three years, A.J Johnson will finally get his chance to shine on the big stage.
https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-sign-lb-a-j-johnson-release-lb-stansly-maponga
Johnson had to go through various legal matters over the last few years, but was cleared of all charges just a few weeks ago.
Johnson was a star at the University of Tennessee. He racked up over 100 tackles in his last three seasons in a Volunteer uniform. He racked up a total of 424 tackles, including 30.5 tackles for loss.
On top of those outstanding stats, he was a three time All-SEC selection.
This is an awesome opportunity for Johnson. Before he was falsely accused of rape four years ago, Johnson was midway through his senior season with hopes of being selected in the first or second round of the NFL Draft. Four years later, he will finally get that chance of playing in the NFL.
Former All-SEC LB A.J. Johnson running through drills minutes after signing with the Broncos. He’s big. Good footwork, too. pic.twitter.com/lvCZ2C1HuD
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 13, 2018
Johnson has already began practicing with the Broncos, as you can see in the video above. It doesn’t look like he missed a beat. During those three years, Johnson kept busy as a personal trainer, as well as training to fight MMA. On top of training to fight MMA, he started selling clothing apparel.
Johnson has already received praise from some of his former teammates, as well as other friends already in the NFL.
Former teammates Cordarrelle Patterson and Kendal Vickers, who are now on the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers, gave him a shoutout on Twitter.
@Chief45Beast congrats bro
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) August 13, 2018
Nobody deserves this opportunity more than @Chief45Beast ! They not ready for you bruh ! https://t.co/Pipcx5Kriu
— Kendal Vickers (@DreadHead_Vick) August 13, 2018
Deshaun Watson, starting quarterback for the Houston Texans and former quarterback for the Clemson Tigers, gave the former Vol a shoutout as well.
GodSpeed!! @Chief45Beast https://t.co/2CERIQL81R
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) August 13, 2018
Johnson will likely get to see his first action in the NFL game this Saturday, as the Denver Broncos face the Chicago Bears this Saturday. All of Vol Nation knows that he will make the most of this opportunity, looking to make a name for himself in the NFL.