Broncos sign embattled LB Johnson
The Broncos made a roster move Monday that gives a college star once indicted on a violent felony charge the chance to make an NFL roster.
A.J. Johnson, a 6-foot-2, 245-pound former Tennessee linebacker and a threetime all-Southeastern Conference selection, is the newest member of Denver’s training camp after the team released linebacker Stansly Maponga.
“It’s a blessing to be a part of the team,” said Johnson, a limited participant Monday in practice. “I’m excited to get out here and start working my tail off.”
Johnson, 26, last played football in 2014 as a Tennessee senior. He was suspended the final three games of the season after allegations that he and teammate Michael Williams sexually assaulted a woman on campus. The pair was indicted on aggravated rape charges in February 2015, entered notguilty pleas and, nearly 3 1/2 years later, Johnson and Williams were acquitted on all counts in a jury trial. Defense lawyers argued a lack of a rape kit or other physical evidence and highlighted discrepancies between the accuser’s statements, according to The Associated Press.
“I had a lot of faith,” Johnson said, “and I knew God was going to take care of me.”
The NFL rescinded Johnson’s invite to the 2015 combine. Now, the Broncos are the first team to give Johnson an opportunity since the case against him closed in July.
Johnson said the Broncos contacted him Saturday, and he worked out at the team’s headquarters Monday morning. Among those giving Johnson a vote of confidence is Denver wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, an assistant coach at Tennessee when Johnson played for the Volunteers.
“A.J. hasn’t had the opportunity to play football for the last three years while resolving a serious legal matter,” Broncos general manager John Elway said in an emailed statement. “We’ve had several conversations with him since he’s been cleared and have become very familiar with his background and character. Our organization is confident A.J. is ready to move forward and resume his playing career.”
Added coach Vance Joseph of Johnson: “He’s got great size, he can run and he’s a very, very intelligent player. He’s definitely a great prospect; at the time, he was a combine guy and draftable player.
“It was a three-year legal battle for this young man. He was cleared, and he wants to play football. We talked to all of his coaches. ... Everyone spoke highly about the guy. Again, he wants to play football. He’s been training to play football for two years.”
Johnson bolsters the Broncos’ depth at inside linebacker after injuries to Todd Davis and Joe Jones held the duo out of Denver’s preseason opener against Minnesota. Johnson finished his career at Tennessee ranked second for career tackles (425) over the course of 46 games. He now faces the difficult challenge of returning to football shape after a lengthy absence. Johnson said he continued to work out through the process, including with mixed martial arts, to stay ready for his NFL opportunity.
“I’m not a bitter guy, man,” Johnson said. “I wake up happy every day. I’m blessed. I’m glad to be out here. I haven’t had this many cameras in my face in a long time. But nah, I have no bitterness about me.”