GLENDALE — Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson shared the emotions he experienced leading up to his selection in this year’s NFL Draft in a piece for The Players’ Tribune.
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Jul 24, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The 22-year-old rookie was selected 47th overall in the second round of this year’s draft out of the University of Michigan. However, Johnson said the process wasn’t easy.
Johnson explains that he was hopeful he would be drafted early on. As the picks went by and his name wasn’t called, Johnson was feeling hopeless.
“Coach [Jim] Harbaugh saw what I went through at Michigan,” Johnson said. “He knows how I’ve handled it, especially where my knee is concerned, and how it hasn’t affected me at all… I was a projected Top 5 pick and now my college coach won’t even draft me?”
Michigan defensive back Will Johnson celebrates a touchdown after intercepting USC quarterback Miller Moss during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Cardinal cornerback went on to write how the process made him reflect on the moments that helped lead him to that position. He mentions his dad as a role model for him and chose to play football because of him. Johnson also remembers the four years he spent at Michigan and his accomplishments.
“While it’s easy to say the big moments made the experience, it’s really the little moments nobody saw that shaped me as a player,” Johnson said. “That 2023 season was full of special moments. That team fought through a lot of adversity, which made our success that much more rewarding.”
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson is introduced before the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Johnson went on to explain his relief after receiving a call from the Cardinals during the second round of the draft, as he’s determined to “prove the haters wrong.”
“The Cardinals are building something special with their coaches, culture and players,” he said. “… This next chapter is for the ones who believed.”
Fans of Johnson from his time at Michigan, along with Cardinals fans, have shown support for his story.
Arizona Cardinals fans love Will Johnson.
Let’s go GET IT ❤️ 🥰 ❤️ https://t.co/pg9qfmSM4k
— Joanna Cards Fan (@cardsfanjoanna) August 25, 2025
So glad he’s on our team man. Turn up @Willj1228 https://t.co/4dn48w8dYz
— #GetGannonTreyorMicah (@getgannoned2) August 25, 2025
Great read.
An intelligent athlete is a dangerous combo, can’t wait to see this guy excel and contribute in taking this Team to the next level.
Let’s go bro! @Willj1228 https://t.co/pmj0wXYfxD
— Kyler Murray’s Burner (@KylerMurraywins) August 25, 2025
“My mission is clear.
1. Prove everyone wrong.
2. Prove myself right.
3. Another ring to match the Natty.Bookmark this.”
-Will Johnson via @PlayersTribune https://t.co/0Be7B2TJXe pic.twitter.com/Sfs84DtcAg
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 25, 2025
Fans can read the rest of his story here.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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