In a recent interview with the NFL Network, New York Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson certainly embraced the expectations around the team heading into this season.
In a conversation with NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero, Johnson touched on a number of topics ahead of the start of training camp. Several of the topics from Pelissero dealt with the Jets bouncing back from a disappointing 2023 season.
Last year, the Jets finished 7-10, an understandable record given that future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers was lost in the first quarter of Week 1. But the expectation level is once again high for the Jets, especially with Rodgers back and healthy.
Johnson was asked the message he wanted to see in the Jets locker room heading into training camp. He certainly did not throttle down the expectation level.
Super Bowl, or bust, Johnson said.
“1-0 every week. 1-0 every practice. 1-0 every rep. I mean, just take it slow, handle what’s on the plate in front of you. Chop wood, carry water – it’s corny, it’s cliche but it couldn’t be more than the truth. Just look at that. Don’t make things bigger than it is, don’t let the moment be bigger than you. Be bigger than the moment.
“Ball out, be you. We’ve got Super Bowl or bust, that’s kind of how we’re looking at it. That’s how I’m definitely looking at it. With that being said, it’s 1-0 every week, 1-0 every practice, 1-0 every rep.”
“Be extraordinary. Be a superstar. That’s what I’ve got in my notebook.”#Jets DE Jermaine Johnson speaks on expectations, Aaron Rodgers and more on The Insiders on @nflnetwork. pic.twitter.com/J7HFqKgJhC
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2024
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Last season in his second season in the NFL, Johnson had 55 total tackles and 7.5 sacks.