Jermaine Johnson

Jermaine Johnson's Biography

Jermaine Curtis Johnson II was born on January 7, 1999. He is famously known for his professional football career as a linebacker, affiliated with the New York Jets. It is a real delight tracing his journey from where it all began to his present-day merits. Born in January, right at the second dawn of the new millennium, Johnson grew his passion for football at an early age while growing up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Having attended Eden Prairie High School, Johnson’s athletic prowess became apparent to his peers and coaches alike. By the end of his final high school year, he had been named All-Metro after he notably recorded 37 tackles and seven sacks, an impressive peak for a high school athlete. However, despite his on-field accomplishments, Johnson faced academic hurdles that rendered him ineligible to play NCAA Division I football immediately after graduation.

Notwithstanding, Johnson was resolute to pursue his football aspirations by beginning his collegiate career at Independence Community College. His time at the community college proved to be a vital stepping-stone to his professional career. Notably, Johnson featured in the fourth season of the popular Netflix documentary series “Last Chance U,” where he showed great skill playing under the critical eye of head coach Jason Brown. During his freshman year, Johnson displayed exceptional skill by recording 58 tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Driven by his ambition, Johnson subsequently transferred to the University of Georgia where he continued to grow his game. As a Bulldog, Johnson proved instrumental in every game of his sophomore year, recording 20 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Later, as a senior, he finished third on his team with impressive figures, which included four sacks along with 16 total tackles and 11 quarterback hurries.

At season’s end, eager to extend his talents and capitalize on his final season of NCAA eligibility, Johnson seized an opportunity to transfer to Florida State. His debut saw him record seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks – a performance that earned him the honor of Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week – despite the Seminoles suffering a 41-38 overtime loss to Notre Dame. Further in the same season, Johnson was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-ACC, finishing the season with 70 tackles and leading with 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks.

In 2022, the burgeoning linebacker’s dreams were realized when he was selected by the New York Jets as the twenty-sixth overall pick in the eagerly anticipated NFL draft. Entering professional football, he sustained the momentum from his college days and made a stellar rookie appearance. During his first 14 NFL matches, Johnson tallied up an impressive 2.5 sacks and 29 total tackles. In Week 14 of the same season, he made a crucial play against the Buffalo Bills by blocking a punt that resulted in a safety.

However, like weathering any storm, Johnson’s career saw darker days. In September 2024, he announced a serious injury – a torn Achilles tendon sustained during the Jets’ week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans. This unfortunate turn of events put his football exploits on hold, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season for recovery.

Navigating his high school struggles, college transfers and the peaks of professional football, Johnson’s journey offers a vivid illustration of resilience and ambition against the odds. Even in adversity, he continues to cling steadfastly to his dreams. With bated breath, his fans and fellow athletes alike await his return to the field, hoping to see the rekindling of the exemplary passion and talent that is Jermaine Curtis Johnson II.