Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson was conspicuously omitted from the NFL's Top 100 list, sparking comments and controversy within the football community. Coming off an impressive 2023 season, Johnson’s absence from the list was as unexpected as it was puzzling.
A Season of Achievement
Johnson certainly has the credentials that would typically warrant a place among the NFL's elite. In the 2023 season, he earned second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl bid. The numbers bolster his case convincingly—he recorded a career-high four interceptions, including his first pick-six, and one forced fumble. Beyond raw statistics, Johnson’s impact on the field was undeniable. He held opponents to a passer rating of just 50.9 when targeted and allowed a mere 55% completion rate.
Despite these accomplishments, Johnson was left off the NFL's Top 100 list, which included only two of his Bears teammates: wide receiver Keenan Allen at No. 51 and defensive end Montez Sweat at No. 82. Additionally, Johnson recently secured a four-year, $76 million contract extension in March, further underscoring his value to the team.
The Snub and the Response
Johnson did not hold back his feelings regarding the omission, stating, "Bull----." He expressed his disbelief and frustration, "It's bull----. There ain't no way. I don't know how you make Pro Bowl, All-Pro and not [be] a Top 100 guy. I could've been 101 I guess, but goddamn, [New York Jets quarterback] Aaron Rodgers didn't even play in the season and he was voted [92nd]."
In the world of professional sports rankings, subjectivity often plays a role, but for Johnson, the slight was a significant misjudgment. “I mean, hey, everybody makes mistakes, it ain't just the media that do it. Players clearly—if they voted for it—they made some god damn mistakes. But it is what it is," he remarked. "At the end of the day I know the truth and it's alright, I got some more for them."
Fuel for the Fire
For Johnson, the snub is more than just a personal affront; it serves as potent motivation. "It's disrespectful because I go out there, line up and I know receivers go out there and can't say that I'm not one of best players that they play against," he said, emphasizing his readiness and determination to prove his detractors wrong. "Ain't no way there are 100 guys who are better. Ain't no way. Especially guys who didn't play, who were hurt, played half—ain't no f---ing way. Excuse my language. Ain't no way. Ain't no way."
As Johnson gears up for another season with the Bears, he made it clear that the snub would "100%" motivate him. This kind of drive, coupled with his proven on-field prowess, suggests that Johnson is aiming to make an even bigger statement in the upcoming season.
The controversy surrounding his absence from the NFL Top 100 list brings to light broader discussions about how these rankings are determined and their implications. For Jaylon Johnson, this is more than just a minor setback; it’s a challenge he seems eager to tackle head-on, vowing to leave no doubt about his place among the NFL's best.