“That’s Always Been My Life”
April 17th, 2015
The new Bucs DE opens up
Some young players take their first load of big cash and stop trying their best.
Don’t worry about new Bucs defensive end George Johnson going that route.
Johnson, the six-sacks edge rusher Tampa Bay acquired from the Lions this week, had a heartfelt 1-on-1 with beat reporter Jenna Laine, of SportsTalkFlorida.com. During one exchange, Johnson passionately explained he won’t be one of those guys who’s ready to coast because he finally hit the jackpot of his five-year NFL career.
“It’s never going to change my work ethic. I’m always going to work harder than the person next to me or in front of me,” Johnson said. “You know, that’s always been my life. I fought my way to get into the league, and I’m gonna keep fighting my way to get on top.”
Johnson was undrafted out of Greg Schiano’s Rutgers program back in 2010.
The $2.75 million guaranteed to him by the Bucs for 2015 represents far more than he’s earned throughout his career.
Joe really liked Johnson’s attitude through the interview, and it was interesting hearing Johnson say he believes he thrives under the Jim Caldwell/Leslie Frazier/Lovie Smith coaching style, versus the intimidation and screaming tactics of a guy like, say, Greg Schiano.
April 17th, 2015 at 1:10 pm
Welcome back George. Make us proud.
April 17th, 2015 at 1:26 pm
Proud of you son. Now its time to eat-Sick’em!
April 17th, 2015 at 1:27 pm
This guy has Stylez G. White written all over him!
April 17th, 2015 at 1:36 pm
I would rather have mediocre players that try hard and earn their paychecks than so called stars who coast (the other Johnson)…..
I believe our FA class fits the bill perfectly…..
April 17th, 2015 at 1:40 pm
Sounds like a great start. Put that sincere effort on the field and help us believe again in the value of free agents.
April 17th, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Now that’s truth spoken Tampabaybuccsfan.
April 17th, 2015 at 1:52 pm
@Tampabaybucfan
Gon’ Tell It Like It T-i-is’ brotha. #Preach
April 17th, 2015 at 1:54 pm
really rooting for this guy.
April 17th, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Solid depth signing (although unfortunate in how they had to acquire him bc Detroit wouldn’t have been able to match the 2.75), but don’t stop here. Bucs still need a starting DE that can bring this defense to life!
April 17th, 2015 at 2:13 pm
Glad we picked him up. Lets get ready to rumble!
I’m not so certain L&L will pick a DE now. They may just stick with mostly offense, LBs and DBs.
April 17th, 2015 at 2:20 pm
It’s one thing to say it. It’s another to prove it.
April 17th, 2015 at 2:22 pm
I remember George Johnson when he was on the Bucs.
He tore his ACL while almost blocking a punt near the end zone. He was improving very fast for us before he hurt his knee.
I am so happy hes back in Tampa
Now, go trade for Bennett, who Schiano ran out of town for questioning him!!
April 17th, 2015 at 3:07 pm
“Now, go trade for Bennett, who Schiano ran out of town for questioning him!!”
Or for Bennett (supposedly) having a shoulder injury that made him a bit of a risk resigning to a bigger deal, but we can go with your version of events.
April 17th, 2015 at 3:34 pm
Boom! Add 6-plus sacks this year.
He is perfect because we have to rotate players in our 4-pass rushing slots to keep the pressure on the QB.
April 17th, 2015 at 3:54 pm
This is a good interview. I hope this Johnson works out better than the last one. How could he not? George sounds like he’s got a lot of heart and desire to be a great player. Something Michael was sorely lacking.
April 17th, 2015 at 3:56 pm
Tampabaybucsfan. I completely agree with you. The only other thing that would make me jump for joy would be if we could bring back Bennett. However I know no amount of money would bring him from a Super Bowl caliber team to a team that treated him the way we did. Practically giving away our best DE we had in this team for years.
April 17th, 2015 at 10:09 pm
Great attitude. Sounds like he’s gonna leave everything on the field.
Errr. Bennett is gone and he ain’t coming back.
April 17th, 2015 at 10:21 pm
Great interview. I will be pulling hard for George!