Watch: Quentin Johnston gives his mother a surprise during NFL Draft
After the Chargers selected WR Quentin Johnston with the No. 21 overall pick during the 2023 NFL Draft, he gave his mother an early Mother's Day surprise.
"I just want to give a big shoutout to my mom; she's gonna be putting in her two-week notice today. She can retire. I don't want you working another day," Johnston said via NFL Films.
Per WFAA-TV in Dallas, Johnston's mother was in the Army and worked her entire life, so he wanted to reward her sacrifice and dedication.
Johnston's proclamation surprised his mother, but she knew something was coming. According to WFAA, she said months before the draft, when she offered to purchase college supplies, he told her, "Mom, that is the last time you will ever ask to buy me something."
Per Spotrac, the 21-year-old should sign a fully guaranteed four-year, $14.1M contract with a $7.3M signing bonus, monumental for Johnston and his family.
He's landing in a great situation in Los Angeles. Johnston, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams could form a dynamic WR trio that can help QB Justin Herbert capture his first postseason victory.
Johnston also fits the scheme of new OC Kellen Moore.
When Moore was Dallas OC from 2019-22, he could rely on CeeDee Lamb to rack up yards after the catch. In 2022, Lamb had the league's sixth-most receiving yards (1,359 in 17 games). Johnston's play style resembles Lamb. Per Pro Football Focus, he averaged 8.9 yards after the catch in 14 games last season, tied for 10th in the FBS.
So it appears the Chargers made the right move in selecting the former TCU WR.
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