The 1,001-Day Wait is Nearly Over For Cal's Brett Johnson, Set to Make His Return

The talented defensive lineman has missed the past two seasons because of hip and knee injuries.

Do you remember what you were doing back on Dec. 5, 2020?

Brett Johnson knows where he was — helping Cal knock off 21st-ranked Oregon 21-17 at Memorial Stadium, devoid of fans because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Of course,” he said, when asked if he recalled the details. “That was a great game.”

He hasn’t played in one since.

Johnson fractured his hip in a car accident in the spring of 2021 and missed the entire season. Back by fall camp a year ago, he tore his ACL in practice and bid farewell to another season.

On Sept. 2, Johnson expects to make a game-day return when the Bears open their 2023 schedule at North Texas.

“It’s been a long time,” he said.

To be precise, it will have been 1,001 days.

Brett Johnson muscles past an Oregon State blocker / Photo by Al Sermeno, KLC fotos

The 6-foot-5, 295-pound defensive lineman said Tuesday he will “absolutely” be in the lineup that day, but he’s not letting himself become over-excited. Maybe because he’s been down this road twice before, Johnson is taking things as they come.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had that feeling, but I don’t think it’ll feel any different than it did before,” he said. “I try not to get in my head too much about it, try to keep my cool but I am looking forward to it.”

So are his coaches and teammates.

“He’s a big plug when it comes to that D-line,” safety Craig Woodson said. “He can definitely be a big difference, just stopping the run and pushing those linemen back.

“It’s going to be a really big addition to us, having him back.”

The college football world knows all about Johnson, named a third-team freshman All-American by Pro Football Focus back in 2019.

On Wednesday, despite the long layoff, Johnson was named to the preseason watch list for the Senior Bowl all-star game — a remarkable show of respect.

Johnson has worked steadily to regain his form and fitness but clearly expects to impact the Bears.

“We’ll have to see when I step out there but I have full confidence in my abilities to play well,” Johnson said. “At this point, it’s just getting my experience back. It’s been a while since I’ve played, so it’s building my technique, build my fundamentals.”

Cal’s coaches and medical and training staffs pretty much held Johnson out of spring ball and his activity level has been ramped up over the past three weeks.

"We’re bringing Brett back at his tolerance,” defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon said. “We know he can be a big addition for us so every day we take an assessment of how he’s doing and what the practice schedule looks like. Not only that day, but what does the next day look like.”

Asked how Johnson looks, Sirmon turned playful, complimenting him on his leaner appearance.

“He might be the first off the bus with his shirt off,” Sirmon said.

In fact, beginning in January, Johnson began eating “super-clean,” in order to trim away the excess.

“I’ve felt amazing this whole time,” he said. “With camp and all the hard work, sometimes I’ll be sore — the same aches and pains as everyone else. But in terms of just general overall health, I feel probably the best I’ve ever felt in my life.”

Through two serious injuries, the grueling rehab that followed each and the natural temptation to be overcome by disappointment, Johnson has kept his eye on the ball.

“At one point I was frustrated by it,” he said, when asked about the cautious rehab pace. “But I know that it’s best for me to make sure I feel good when it’s time to feel good.”

Woodson said he’s never seen Johnson feeling sorry for himself.

“He’s a guy who just wants to get out there and play and he’s done everything in his will to get on this field,” Woodson said. “Now that he’s back and healthy and has the great mindset that he does, I’m excited for him. A lot of people couldn’t do that — that’s mental toughness.”

Cover photo of Cal defensive lineman Brett Johnson

Follow Jeff Faraudo of Cal Sports Report on Twitter: @jefffaraudo