The NFL Draft is a fantastic time for many young college players, Ohio State especially, to see their professional football dreams come true when they get selected. Still, there is also a harsh reality for many players: they won’t hear their name called during the seven rounds of the draft and will have to sign as undrafted free agents.
Ohio State’s Xavier Johnson Was One Of The Few Who Didn’t Hear His Name
For many walk-on college football players, the thought of making the NFL in any way is laughable, but some can work their way to the top of the game. Former walk-on Buckeye wide receiver Xavier Johnson was among the few to go from walk-on to the NFL this weekend.
Johnson Went From Walk On To Captain
Johnson walked on to Ohio State in 2018 under head coach Urban Meyer and was one of the last Buckeyes left on the roster. When head coach Ryan Day took over in 2019, he was part of his first-ever team.
The Cincinnati, Ohio, native spent six seasons in Columbus and served various roles, from playing special teams, wide receiver, and running back, and was one of the most versatile players on the team.
In 2021, Johnson went from being a walk-on to a scholarship player right before the Oregon game. Being rewarded with a scholarship is fantastic for any college athlete. Still, one of the more remarkable things the graduate student was honored with was wearing the Block O jersey in 2023, which is the number zero and is given to the team captain.
Being named the captain shows how much his teammates love and respect him. If all his Ohio State teammates loved him, then his NFL teammates would feel the same way when he steps foot in his new locker room. According to Jordan Schultz from Bleacher Report, Johnson is signing with the Buffalo Bills.
Johnson Will Call Buffalo Home
The Bills are getting a great player and an even better person. Buffalo needs game-changers on the offensive side of the ball and special teams. The former Ohio State Buckeye will fit in well there, being part of a great city of tough fans who work hard for what they have. Johnson can relate because he went from walk-on to captain, and receiving that honor takes a lot of hard work and dedication.
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