Former Florida State star Jermaine Johnson II is coming off a dominant season with the New York Jets, where he amassed 55 tackles, 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception during his Pro Bowl campaign. Always a staunch supporter of his former team, Johnson never shies from speaking his mind about the Seminoles.
There was a lot of controversy surrounding the end of the 2023 season caused by a historic College Football Playoff snub. After winning the ACC and going undefeated, the' Noles were left out in favor of Alabama and Texas, who both had inferior records.
"I’ve said it before: you’re taught to win, and all the guys did was win, and that’s pretty much all there is to it," Johnson said to NoleGameday's Logan Robinson after the Pro Bowl. "It wasn’t right for them not to be in it."
It is a sentiment felt across the FSU fanbase and extends across the country. Multiple media figureheads and outlets have expressed disdain for the decision and it has even prompted lawsuits and inquisitions from politicians and lawmakers looking into the validity of the selection process altogether. It has also become one of the arguing points for Florida State to leave the ACC.
Johnson transferred to Florida State from Georgia in 2021 after a previous stop at Independance Community College and became an immediate star. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 26th overall pick. He is coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance.
"I mean, it felt awesome, man," Johnson said of making the Pro Bowl. "Just got to be around other great players and learn things from them, it’s always a good thing to do. And you know, obviously represent Florida State in a good way.”
During his time at FSU, the First-Team All-American started in 12 games, recorded 70 tackles (18 for a loss), 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
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