From a Netflix documentary to the first round of the NFL draft
In short: Few athletes navigate the precarious path from junior college obscurity to professional stardom. Jermaine Johnson II used the spotlight of Last Chance U to launch a remarkable ascent through the ranks of college football, eventually becoming a highly touted first-round selection in the NFL.
Jermaine Johnson II's journey is defined by a series of high-stakes transitions. His path began at Independence Community College, where he gained national visibility during the fourth season of the Netflix series Last Chance U. Under head coach Jason Brown, Johnson recorded 58 tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles as a freshman. This performance paved the way for his move to the University of Georgia, where he played every game during his sophomore year.
After a stint at Georgia, Johnson entered the transfer portal to join the Florida State Seminoles for his final year of NCAA eligibility. It was here that his dominance peaked; he led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. His individual excellence earned him both first-team All-ACC honors and the title of ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
His collegiate success translated to the professional stage when the New York Jets selected him with the 26th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. During his rookie season, Johnson appeared in 14 games, contributing 29 tackles and 2.5 sacks. During his 2023 campaign, he played every one of his 17 starts, accumulating 7.5 sacks and scoring on a 37-yard interception return versus the Browns.
However, the physical toll of the sport surfaced in September 2024, when Johnson announced a torn Achilles tendon suffered during a game against the Tennessee Titans. Following a period of contract negotiations where the Jets exercised his fifth-year option in April 2025, Johnson's tenure in New York ended via a trade to the Titans in March 2026, in exchange for T'Vondre Sweat.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jermaine Johnson II
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