Kerryon Johnson Returns For Second Season In The NFL With Detroit Lions
DETROIT, Mich.- Former Madison Academy All-State and Auburn University All-SEC standout Kerryon Johnson said he’s healthy and looking to getting back into action as starting running back for the Detroit Lions. Johnson is entering his second season of play for the Lions, but is coming off a season-ending knee injury that caused him to miss the final six games of the 2018 campaign as a rookie in the NFL.
The fleet-footed workhorse for the Lions scampered for 641 yards and three touchdowns on 118 rushing attempts and caught 32 passes for 213 yards and one TD in his rookie season in his first 10 NFL games. Even through a partial season, that was the best a Lions’ rookie had posted since 1980 when Billy Sims set the bar that high. The former Heisman Trophy winner played five seasons with the Lions.
The son of Kerry and Natalie Johnson is being labeled as a “must go to” type of player for Detroit by new offensive coordinator Darren Bevell. The running game advocate was appointed to take over the reins of the offense during the off season. Johnson has stated he can carry the ball as often as needed and with the expertise Lions’ starting quarterback Matt Stafford has mixed in with Johnson’s anticipated prowess the Lions look to be much better than a season ago.
In 2018, Detroit was 6-10. The Lions scored just 20 points per game and need a boost from someone like Johnson. The 22-year old is young, brash and exciting when healthy and is being counted on to take charge similar to his limited play one year ago.
How much will Johnson will play will be depending on how well the offensive line performs, how Stafford utilizes the corps of receivers at his disposal and how much ball control the offense needs or can muster. If Johnson remains healthy and the offense conjures up enough success to make the team override any defense slipups, things could look to improve greatly in 2019.
Johnson, who is listed as 5-foot-11 and 211 pounds, worked feverishly during the off season to rehabilitate his injured knee and understands the fact he is being counted on to make the difference for the East Division title run and a spot in the post-season playoffs. Success has followed Johnson wherever he has landed on a team.
At Madison Academy, he helped win the school three consecutive state championships while being named All-State in those championship seasons. He was named the Class 3A Player of the Year for his achievements in 2014. From there, he played three seasons for the Auburn Tigers, including being tabbed the SEC Offensive Player of the Year for his junior year before declaring for the NFL Draft after his junior season.
Johnson can run with the ball, catch the ball and block when needed. It’s those characteristics that make Johnson a much needed player in Detroit.
