Former Lions RB Experienced 'Dark, Dark Days'

Ty Johnson was recently released by the New York Jets.

The toll it takes on the overall well-being of a professional athlete is immense, especially in the National Football League. 

One unexpected injury during a workout can instantly end your tenure with a franchise, which is constantly in search of healthy, productive and available players. 

Former Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson has experienced "dark, dark days," since he was released by the New York Jets back in April. 

According to Jets Country, "The Jets re-signed Johnson, who did not miss a game in 2022, to a new deal early during the NFL free-agency signing period last month. The 5-foot-10 Johnson has appeared in 44 games for the Jets since they claimed the Maryland product off waivers from the Lions in October 2020."

Following an offseason workout, Johnson, who played in Detroit from 2019-2020, suffered a torn pectoral muscle. 

After reportedly following the advice of a Jets team doctor and undergoing surgery, the 25-year-old running back was still released. 

"Had some dark, dark days, man," Johnson expressed on social media. "Like honestly, went to New York and told them. I told them before reporting, 'Hey, I was working out. This is what happened.' Saw the team doctor, and he said, 'You need to get it fixed.' Flew out the next day. Come back happy that I got it done, even though I didn't want to get it done. That following Wednesday, you are out of there, and I was like, 'Damn.' At the end of the day, I know I'm going to be all right. I know God has got my back, and just keep going forward, man."

Update: RB Ty Johnson, formerly of the #Jets, suffered a Torn Pec injury while working out. He says the team told him to "Fix it" but cut him the next day after he did.

"I’ve had some Dark, dark days, man.”

"Told them [about the injury]. I told them even before this, I was… pic.twitter.com/r0aqr6pUY1

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 21, 2023