There are few bigger motivators for NFL players than playing against a team that let them go, and that's the exact situation Los Angeles Rams safety John Johnson found himself in on Sunday.
Johnson and the Rams played host to the Cleveland Browns, the same team that released him due to cap constraints back in March. Add in the fact that L.A. could get back to .500 with a win and jump into a playoff spot, and all the seeds were planted for a big game for Johnson.
Safe to say, Johnson, who is now in his second tour of duty with the Rams, didn't let that opportunity go by the wayside. The ex-Browns safety finished the game with six total tackles, two passes defended, and most importantly, a fourth-quarter interception that he returned 42 yards into Cleveland territory. That pick proved to be a game changer, as the Rams scored two touchdowns in quick succession to pull away for a 36-19 victory.
After Johnson's revenge game, Rams coach Sean McVay made sure to give the veteran safety his due respect.
"You give them credit, but I thought that play that JJ made was huge," McVay told reporters. "John Johnson III right there, as you would say, but he's been such a big, bright spot for us. He's got such great command, such great communication."
Best believe that Johnson himself enjoyed the moment too. After the game, he took a simple, yet effective shot at his former team on X (formerly Twitter).
"That get-back a mf!!!!" Johnson wrote.
Johnson, 27, began his second stint with the Rams as primarily a reserve player, but his snap count has drastically increased during L.A.'s three-game winning streak. After Sunday's performance, it's hard to imagine him leaving the starting lineup any time soon.
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