NEW ORLEANS – The Arizona Cardinals may have found a gem in rookie linebacker Will Johnson, who made an emphatic NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints yesterday.
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Sep 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) grabs a pass in the end zone but Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) knocks the ball loose in for an incomplete pass during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
In a game that tested the Cardinals’ rebuilt defense, Johnson stepped up with poise, as he led the team with three passes defended. One of the biggest moments, though, in the Cardinals’ victory over the New Orleans Saints came from when Johnson laid a massive hit on Saints WR Chris Olave.
oh my, Will Johnson 💥
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/RCnzia54H9
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 7, 2025
Cardinals fans react to Will Johnson’s massive hit:
Book marked!!
What a hit— nkemjika (Kemi) (@kemindolo) September 7, 2025
He must’ve had all of their signals.
— Dahhno (@Yinz_Dono) September 8, 2025
Can’t believe they let this guy fall to us 😆😆
— Beard (@beardofficially) September 7, 2025
did someone get the plates on that truck??????
DEVASTATING CAR WRECK
— Teflon Don (@PatrioticG00n) September 7, 2025
Will Johnson Week 1 😤 pic.twitter.com/L0JHeyLNCA
— SleeperCardinals (@SleeperAZCards) September 7, 2025
Will Johnson also had a highlight interception that was wiped out after an illegal contact penalty by Max Melton. Johnson outpaced Saints’ WR Rasheed Shaheed and was able to capitalize on an overthrown ball that showcased his ball hawk talents.
Read it like a 📖
Cardinals rookie CB Will Johnson knew what was coming from the jump.
His near interception (and overall showing) vs. the Saints looked a lot like what we saw in training camp.
Running routes like a wideout. pic.twitter.com/pCeVHvdbLN
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) September 8, 2025
Cardinals cornerback Johnson (0) and quarterback Kyler Murray walk off the field after their 20-17 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Johnson’s impact brought the stats and the energy. He flew to the ball, communicated with intensity, and made plays that turned heads on both sidelines. Johnson’s immediate impact suggests that Arizona’s draft strategy may be starting to pay off.
Aug 2, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cardinals cornerback Johnson (0) and linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the Red and White practice in training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Former Cardinals QB Jake Plummer leads parade of Arizona fans on Bourbon Street
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
