In a surprising turn of events, Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson found himself omitted from the NFL's Top 100 list, despite a standout performance in the 2023 season. Johnson, who earned second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl bid, expressed his frustration over the perceived snub.
A Season to Remember
During the 2023 season, Johnson's contributions to the Bears' defense were nothing short of exceptional. He recorded a career-high four interceptions, including his first pick-six, and forced a fumble. His defensive prowess was evident as he held opponents to a 50.9 passer rating when targeted and allowed just a 55% completion rate. These impressive stats were expected to cement his spot among the NFL's elite players in the Top 100 list.
Contract Extension
Adding to his credentials, Johnson secured a lucrative four-year, $76 million contract extension in March. This deal underscored the Bears' confidence in his ability to be a cornerstone of their defense for years to come. Yet, this significant investment did not translate to recognition on the NFL's prestigious list.
A Vocal Response
Johnson did not mince words when addressing the perceived slight. "Bull----," he exclaimed. "There ain't no way. I don't know how you make Pro Bowl, All-Pro and not [be] a Top 100 guy. I could've been 101 I guess, but goddamn, [New York Jets quarterback] Aaron Rodgers didn't even play in the season and he was voted [92nd]."
The cornerback pointed out what he considered glaring inconsistencies in the voting process. "I mean, hey, everybody makes mistakes, it ain't just the media that do it. Players clearly -- if they voted for it -- they made some god damn mistakes. But it is what it is. At the end of the day I know the truth and it's alright, I got some more for them."
Feeling Disrespected
Johnson's sharp critique stemmed from a deep sense of disrespect. "It's disrespectful because I go out there, line up, and I know receivers go out there and can't say that I'm not one of best players that they play against," Johnson asserted.
His disbelief was palpable. "So I mean, whatever it is, it happened. Doing it wouldn't have moved me to where I'm complacent, but just to see it--ain't no way there are 100 guys who are better. Ain't no way. Especially guys who didn't play, who were hurt, played half--ain't no f---ing way. Excuse my language. Ain't no way. Ain't no way."
Motivation for the Future
Despite the slight, Johnson remains undeterred and prepared to leverage this as motivation for the upcoming season. The snub, he noted, would "100%" fuel his drive as he gears up for another year with the Bears. With the evident chip on his shoulder, fans and critics alike will be keen to see how this galvanizes his performance on the field.
In the aftermath of his omission from the NFL's Top 100 list, Jaylon Johnson has made it clear that this chapter is far from over. His achievements in the 2023 season and his pointed remarks suggest a player ready to prove that the oversight was a mistake. Johnson has laid down the gauntlet, and now it's up to him to silence the doubters with his play on the field in 2024.