Resilience and Adaptation: The Key to Johnson’s 18-Year NFL Career

Josh Johnson, the 39-year-old NFL quarterback, has been a fixture in the league for nearly two decades. Despite being a member of 14 different teams, Johnson has managed to carve out a niche for himself in the football world. His journey, marked by ups and downs, has taught him valuable lessons about resilience, faith, and determination.

Johnson’s NFL career began in 2008, when he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the draft. Initially, he served as the team’s backup quarterback, but after being released, he joined the San Francisco 49ers, his childhood favorite team. However, his time with the 49ers was short-lived, as he was cut from the roster ahead of the 2012 season.

The setback was a devastating blow to Johnson, who had always envisioned a successful NFL career. However, he refused to give up. Instead, he focused on staying true to himself and his passion for football. “I had to make sure that, firstly: ‘Don’t forget who you are.’ And then secondly, it was: ‘Ok, why are you still doing this?’” Johnson recalled.

Johnson’s nomadic journey began in earnest after being released by the 49ers. He bounced around the league, playing for numerous teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, the Cleveland Browns, and the Washington Commanders. Along the way, he faced numerous challenges, including loneliness and self-doubt. “Doubt was more so like not understanding when your next opportunity is going to come from,” he said.

Despite the obstacles, Johnson persevered, relying on his faith and determination to guide him through the ups and downs. He credits his family for instilling in him the values of resilience and adaptability. “It means resiliency to me now,” Johnson said. “It means faith. It means determination. It means always being able to find a way.”

Throughout his journey, Johnson has formed strong relationships with his coaches and teammates, which has helped him navigate the ever-changing landscape of the NFL. “The NFL is kind of a tricky thing on how people view you,” he said. “Somebody may love you, somebody may hate you, and it depends on who that person is.”

Johnson’s experiences have also taught him the importance of research and preparation. He spends countless hours studying the game, watching film, and engaging with his teammates and coaches. “I do my own research – whether through conversations, on social media or on the EA Sports video game franchise ‘Madden’ – to ensure I’m as clued in as I can possibly be,” he said.

As Johnson looks to the future, he is grateful for the lessons he has learned along the way. While his career may not have been a traditional one, he has created a niche for himself in the NFL. “We all want to have a Hall of Fame career, but somebody’s going to get the high side of things, somebody will get the low side of things,” he said.

For Johnson, the journey is far from over. He continues to play for the Washington Commanders, where he has become a valuable asset to the team. “I’ve been in football for 18 years, and I’ve met plenty of different faces,” he said. “And when they start getting opportunities and our paths cross again, I’ve come to find out there’s another level of trust that I’ve gained organically.”

Ultimately, Johnson’s story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. His journey, marked by ups and downs, has taught him valuable lessons that will stay with him long after he hangs up his cleats.