How a missed phone call helped launch an NFL star's breakout career
In short: When the Arizona Cardinals failed to draft their target in the 2015 NFL draft, they pivoted to David Johnson. The decision transformed a third-round pick into a record-tying powerhouse. Johnson’s journey from a small-school standout in Iowa to an elite NFL running back remains a masterclass in seizing unexpected opportunities.
David Johnson’s path to the NFL began in Clinton, Iowa, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. Despite his high school records and athletic versatility, he received only two scholarship offers, eventually committing to the University of Northern Iowa. His college career was marked by steady growth, culminating in a senior season where he set school records for career rushing yards, touchdowns, and all-purpose yards.
The 2015 NFL draft proved to be a pivotal moment for both Johnson and the Arizona Cardinals. The team had been on the phone with Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah, intending to draft him, only to discover the Detroit Lions had selected him moments earlier. Forced to change plans, the Cardinals selected Johnson in the third round. He quickly proved his worth, scoring a 55-yard touchdown in his first career game and later recording a season-high 187 rushing yards in a single game during his rookie year.
Johnson’s 2016 season solidified his status as a premier talent. He matched Barry Sanders’ 1997 record by posting 15 consecutive games with at least 100 yards from scrimmage. However, his career was also defined by the physical toll of the game, including a dislocated wrist in 2017 and various other injuries that sidelined him throughout his tenure with the Cardinals and later the Houston Texans. Following a stint with the New Orleans Saints, he retired in 2024.
Beyond the field, Johnson focused on philanthropy through his Mission 31 Foundation, which supports seriously ill children. His career remains a notable example of how a single draft-day pivot can alter the trajectory of a franchise and a player’s life. Though his time in the league was marked by both explosive production and injury setbacks, his impact on the Cardinals’ offense during his peak years remains a significant chapter in his professional history.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: David Johnson (running back)
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