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David Johnson believes people are indulging in misconceptions about his longevity and durability.
The 6-1, 224-pound running back earned first-team All-Pro in 2016, his second season as a pro with the Arizona Cardinals. After dislocating his wrist the following year and missing the balance of the season after Week 1, Johnson disappeared from the national spotlight, much like the Cardinals who went through two coaching changes in that span.
Even though Johnson started all 16 games in 2018 and almost tallied 1,000 rushing yards, there are doubts about his durability and longevity.
“I think that really is a big misconception, especially in this league,” Johnson told the Houston media on a conference call. “It’s football. Guys get nicked up, get injuries all the time, so you can’t really predict what’s going to happen. I know that I’m going to do everything that I can to be ready and keep my body as healthy as possible.”
Johnson produced 2,101 scrimmage yards and 16 total touchdowns in his 29 games following his wrist dislocation in 2017.
“I think that the biggest thing that I’m going to really focus on is doing overtime as far as keeping my body healthy,” said Johnson. “Maybe doing the cold tub a little longer, doing treatment a little longer, even if I don’t need to. Maybe I got a little bruise, just making sure I make sure that’s as healthy as possible before I even go step on the practice field or in a game. I think that’s the biggest thing.”
Johnson’s focus, whether doubts about his availability and health existed or not, is to get back into the shape that led to his meritorious 2016 season when he led the league with 2,118 scrimmage yards and 20 total touchdowns. In order to get back to that 2016 form, the former 2015 third-round pick from Northern Iowa is hearkening back to his rookie season’s preparations.
“Just going back to my rookie year of doing everything that I can to make sure that my body is healthy and starting a clean slate for sure with a new team,” Johnson said.
If the Texans can get a revitalized Johnson, they will have a formidable starter in the backfield behind two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson.
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