Jermaine Johnson is the latest Jets defender to earn a Pro Bowl selection.
Originally named an alternate, the pass-rushing linebacker on Tuesday made the NFL’s Pro Bowl Games as a replacement for injured Chargers star Khalil Mack.
It’s the first Pro Bowl selection for the second-year-pro Johnson, who recorded career highs with 7.5 sacks, 55 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits. He also registered his first NFL interception, which he returned for a touchdown, as well as his first forced fumble and fumble recovery.
“All glory to GOD,” Johnson wrote on social media after learning of his selection.
Johnson, a 2022 first-round pick out of Florida State, joins cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams as Jets headed to Sunday’s Pro Bowl Games.
The 25-year-old Johnson emerged as a full-time starter in 2023 after playing only 22% of the Jets’ defensive snaps during his rookie campaign.
Even after his breakout season, Johnson said the year was “not my standard” and that he planned to “work as hard as I’ve ever worked” this offseason.
“Every time I think I’ve reached it, I just keep pushing,” Johnson said this month of what he considers his standard. “I don’t know. I just keep pushing my limits, and by the time it’s all said and done, I know I would’ve done the best I could.”
Gardner, who was taken fourth overall in the same draft as Johnson, did not record an interception this season but excelled as a lockdown corner. He has now made the Pro Bowl and been named an All-Pro in both of his NFL seasons.
“I feel like I played at an elite level,” Gardner said earlier this month, calling the Pro Bowl selection “a true blessing.”
“Going against a lot of great talent and receivers and producing the way that I produced,” he said. “Of course, I wish I could have had more picks, but besides not having picks, I’ve been dominant this season.”
Williams, who recorded 5.5 sacks in 2023, has also made two consecutive Pro Bowls.
This year’s Pro Bowl Games, which will again center on a flag-football game and skills contests, is set to take place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, with Eli Manning coaching the NFC and Peyton Manning coaching the AFC. The Giants’ lone selection was defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
Other alternates who were added Tuesday include the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts and Darius Slay and the Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
