John Johnson went into the 2019 season with Pro Bowl aspirations. As one of the best young safeties in the NFL, he was poised for a breakout year with the Rams. Only six weeks into the season, though, Johnson suffered a shoulder injury that would land him on injured reserve not long thereafter.
He was replaced by rookie Taylor Rapp in the starting lineup, who certainly held his own at safety, but Johnson’s injury was a devastating one. He finished the year with 51 tackles and two interceptions in only six games, so he was on pace for a big season.
Having to stand on the sideline was a new experience for Johnson, but one he learned from. In an interview for the team’s website, Johnson was asked if he learned something about himself this past season.
“I don’t think about myself. I think I learned a lot about the game just watching, seeing opportunities that you don’t normally see, being out there,” he said. “This is the first time I actually like was down. When I got hurt, it wasn’t that I was hurt, I just didn’t have anything to do when I got home from rehab, even before the surgery. It was just weird to not have structure in my life.”
Johnson said he “won’t take it for granted anymore,” saying he got a different outlook on football while sidelined.
Johnson is in line to return as a starter in 2020 next to Rapp, which will probably leave Eric Weddle on the outside looking in. But with Johnson and Rapp at safety, the defense is in good hands on the back end.