Cleveland Browns running back D’Ernest Johnson certainly made the most of his first career NFL start.
Filling in for injured running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, Johnson, also known by his nickname “Slow Grind”, rushed his way to FedEx Ground Player of the Week honors for Week 7.
D'Ernest Johnson was voted the NFL's FedEx Ground Player of the Week. #Browns
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) October 27, 2021
Johnson Was Amazing
@brownsspice
Rushing for 146 yards and 1 touchdown, Johnson did everything the Browns asked of him and more.
His persistence kept the chains moving at the end of the game and secured the win for the Browns.
After the game, Johnson reflected on his performance by saying:
“I can’t ask for a better opportunity than that. The whole world is watching… I can’t thank God enough, man… I’ll always be able to cherish that.”
Johnson credits running backs coach Stump Mitchell and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer for sticking by him since he got to Cleveland.
“[Since] I first got here, they’re been fighting for me to be here. I just want to give thanks to those guys for just trusting and believing in me.”
Johnson’s Career
Undrafted in 2018, Johnson was invited to New Orleans Saints rookie camp but did not get signed.
After that, he spent time on a fishing boat in Key West, Florida but never gave up on the dream.
Through much persistence, Johnson became a member of the Orlando Apollos in the Alliance of American Football in 2019.
He finally broke into the NFL earning a spot with the Browns in 2019 after the AAF folded.
D’Ernest Johnson And Nick Chubb
Chubb talked about how Johnson is one of his best friends on the team.
He was so happy to see how well he played given his journey to the NFL.
Chubb on watching D'Ernest Johnson in his 1st start.
📼: https://t.co/llqSos7BbE pic.twitter.com/y7TJt8dLGb
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 27, 2021
With Kareem Hunt on IR and Chubb hopefully back in the lineup in Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it looks like Chubb and Johnson will be working together to advance the Browns rushing attack.
Congratulations D’Ernest Johnson!
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