Jets’ DE Jermaine Johnson reacts to season-ending injury as tears were shed

New York Jets’ starting defensive end Jermaine Johnson stood on his torn Achilles and took time to address reporters at his locker following the team’s 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

Despite suffering a potentially season-ending injury, the 2022 first-round draft pick was willing to share his thoughts on record.

“I’m hoping for the best. We got to go clarify and make sure. It wasn’t fun,” said Johnson about his experience on Sunday in Nashville.

It has since been confirmed that Johnson ruptured his Achilles tendon, a diagnosis that the Pro Bowl edge rusher feared as he was carted to the locker room.

“I got my crying out on the field a little bit. Probably going to get a little more crying in tonight,” said Johnson.

As for the moment of injury, Johnson suggested he wasn’t really sure what happened to him at the time. The fateful play was a third-quarter quarterback scramble for 21 yards by Tennessee’s Will Levis.

“I thought somebody stepped on me and then I looked at the replay and then nobody stepped on me,” said Johnson, who made two solo tackles before exiting.

Although he won’t be available for on-field reps the remainder of the season, Johnson isn’t abandoning the mission.

“I’m going to do what I’m supposed to do. I’m going to help the guys out. I’m gonna stay in it,” said Johnson.

The 25-year-old has an example to follow after watching 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers triumphantly return from the same type of injury. On Monday, Johnson confirmed the speculated diagnosis through a post on his personal Instagram story.

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Author(s)

Ralph Ventre, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA DI Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.