Cleveland Browns RB D’Ernest Johnson featured on ‘Today’

The story of D’Ernest Johnson defying the odds and making it with the Cleveland Browns was featured on Friday’s edition of NBC ‘Today’

Many Cleveland Browns fans know the story of running back D’Ernest Johnson who went from hitting up AAF teams in their DMs trying to land a job to starting for Cleveland on a Thursday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos.

Now even more know about his incredible perseverance as he was a guest on NBC’s ‘Today’ where he was interviewed by Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.

Johnson was asked right away how it was he continued to push despite not being drafted after his career at USF and he simply said he knew what his goal was and wouldn’t be stopped by closed doors.

"“My goal was to always to make it to the NFL,” Johnson said. “No matter how many doors [were] closed I’ve got to find a way just to go out there and make it happen.”"

From there, he said that his son helped him push through since he knew he needed to support him. When asked how his son feels now, Johnson said he wakes up every day and watches highlights of his dad asking if that’s really him.

Kotb and Bush Hager then turned the story to Johnson’s aunt who had a huge hand in raising him and the Browns running back took some time to shout her out and thank her for all she has done.

This was followed by a video clip of kids from his high school telling Johnson he has become their inspiration to follow their dreams.

Cleveland Browns running back set for free agency

In 2021, Johnson ran for 534 yards with three touchdowns while adding 137 yards as a receiver. He was active for all 17 games with two starts and never failed to deliver when called upon.

Now, Johnson is set for free agency and it will be interesting to see if Cleveland can keep him. He surely deserves a raise and after seeing what he can do, he might also be looking for a spot where he won’t be playing behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

The good news is, Johnson is a restricted free agent meaning the Browns can match any offer he gets provided they sign him to a tender — which they absolutely should.

Whatever happens, Johnson will be a player to root for whether that continues to be in the Dawg Pound or elsewhere.