Watch Clay Johnston’s priceless reaction to being drafted: Ready to ‘play my nuts off’

Clay Johnston had one of the best reactions to being drafted that you’ll see.

“I have never experienced a call like that in my life. I was starting fade a little bit in the seventh-round and this guy gave me a shot of adrenaline that I felt like I was going to put my head through a wall.”

That’s what Sean McVay said in reference to his call with linebacker Clay Johnston, sharing the news that the Rams were selecting him with the 234th overall pick in the draft. If you’re wondering why McVay was ready to put his head through a wall, this video will give you some context.

Brett Favre shared a clip of Johnston’s reaction to being selected by the Rams, answering the phone with absolute elation after getting the good news.

“No way, coach. I am down. Let’s go! Come on! Oh my gosh, I’m freaking stoked. This is unreal. Play my freaking nuts off,” Johnston said on the phone.

 

Johnston had another member of the Rams on the other line – presumably Les Snead – and he had a similar reaction.

“I’m freaking ready to go! Let’s freaking go! Play my nuts off,” Johnston said again.

It’s unclear if Favre took this video himself or if he simply shared it, but he does have a connection to Johnston. Johnston’s dad, Kent, was a strength coach in the NFL for 20 years, including the 1997 season with the Packers when Favre was the quarterback.

Favre and Kent Johnston grew close, and Johnston was even the best man at the Packers QB’s wedding.

It took a while for the initial high of being drafted to wear off for the Baylor linebacker as he had trouble finding the words to describe the moment during a conference call with reporters afterwards.

At the start of the draft, Johnston shared a photo on Instagram of every NFL team’s linebacker depth chart, giving him an idea of which teams could give him a shot. He also listed the top linebackers in the draft, so he could figure out how many players were still left on the board.

 

Johnston brings unmatched intensity to the locker room, which carries over to the field, too. He plays like his hair is on fire, flying to the football and consistently wrapping up ball carriers. It’s the type of player the Rams need in the middle of their defense, which is lacking linebacker talent at the moment.

If nothing else, Johnston will be an elite hype man on the sidelines during games.