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Kerryon Johnson: Playing for 'Military General' Left Me Down Two Knees

Former Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson explains why he never went back to playing NFL football.

John Maakaron

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Former Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson's NFL career only lasted four seasons. 

After being drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft, Johnson appeared in 34 games, and rushed for 1,225 yards and eight touchdowns in Motown. 

Unfortunately, his playing career was marred by numerous injuries. 

Johnson's rookie season ended on injured reserve, after he sprained his left knee in a Week 11 victory against the Carolina Panthers. 

The former Auburn Tigers running back was placed on injured reserve in October of 2019, after undergoing knee surgery. 

In 2020, Johnson played all 16 games, but was utilized mostly as a pass-blocker and on third down. He only saw 52 total carries his final season in Motown. 

After being waived, Johnson spent time on the Eagles' practice squad, and also had a stint with the 49ers, before being released in 2022, after a second stint with the Eagles. 

Ahead of the official start of free agency, Johnson was asked on social media why he has not returned to the football field in the past 12 months. 

Johnson replied, "Because playing for a military general left me down 2 knees and a neck." 

Multiple players have complained openly about how players were treated and practice decisions were made by former Lions head coach Matt Patricia. 

Back in November of 2018, Patricia recited a 900-word infamous response to reporters after an unusual decision was made to practice outdoors in the snow, despite the team having a month of climate-controlled games upcoming. 

Former Lions defensive backs Darius Slay and Quandre Diggs have regularly shared their opinions about negative experiences with Patricia and the "Patriot Way" mentality that was adopted in Detroit. 

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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