David Johnson was on vacation with his wife and children on March 16 when he learned of the trade that would send him to the Houston Texans.
Johnson and his family’s initial reaction was one of excitement; it was a new beginning.
For the former 2016 All-Pro, it was a chance to recapture that glory that catapulted him from obscurity to top of the NFL at his position.
“It was excitement from the start, and basically I have that chip back on my shoulder,” Johnson told the Houston media on a conference call Friday. “Ever since I’ve been in league, I’ve always had that chip. My biggest thing is I just want to get back to 2016, if not better than the 2016 season.”
In 2016, the Cardinals finished 7-8-1 on the year, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort on Johnson’s part. The former 2015 third-round pick from Northern Iowa rushed 293 times for 1,239 yards and 16 touchdowns. Johnson also caught 80 passes for 879 yards and four touchdowns. The running back’s receiving yards were second to only receiver Larry Fitzgerald’s 1,023.
Johnson dislocated his wrist in Week 1 of 2017 and missed the balance of the season. In 2018, the Cardinals were a horrendous 3-13 under rookie coach Steve Wilks, who was fired at the end of the year. Johnson returned to start all 16 games, but his 258 carries for 940 yards and seven touchdowns along with 50 catches for 446 yards and three scores were forgotten amid the losing.
The 28-year-old is confident he can still produce at a high level, but realizes the key is to stay available as the Texans’ presumptive starting running back.
“I think the biggest thing, as everyone knows, is to stay healthy,” said Johnson. “I’m going to really hone in on everything that I can utilize with organization as far as recovery, making sure I do everything to keep my body healthy and be ready for the season.”
The Texans have made the playoffs four of the past six seasons with coach Bill O’Brien on the sidelines. The way O’Brien wants to use Johnson also has the 6-1, 224-pound back enthused.