Diontae Johnson addresses primary concern Panthers may have had before trading for him

When the Carolina Panthers traded for Diontae Johnson, the team knew he came with baggage. 

However, as Carolina moves to make Johnson a primary fixture in the offense, the 27-year-old pass catcher wants to put to bed any concerns about his attitude. 

Johnson recently conducted a one-on-one interview with Joseph Person of The Athletic, where he explained that much of the attitude concerns are now behind him. 

“Everybody’s gonna have their opinion about me. People are gonna say what they want to say about me," Johnson said to The Athletic. "But I know what type of player I am. I know what type of attitude I bring to the table. I didn’t really pay attention to stuff like that. I can only control what I can control. What people are saying about me is their opinion. It’s just words at the end of the day. As long I keep putting my best foot forward and bringing my best attitude forward, they can’t really say anything or whatever they want about me.”

Johnson, in the 2023 season, saw a step down from his previous success. He tallied 87 targets, 51 receptions and 717 yards over 13 games. All were career lows since his rookie season. 

It looks like Johnson has a lot of work to do if he wants to reshape the narrative surrounding his production. The good news, he appears ready to do so. 

“All I’ve gotta do is come in here and be consistent, not try to press or anything," Johnson said. "As long as I come in and do everything I can (to) my best ability, the chips are gonna fall where they may. If they want to extend me or whenever the time comes, God will give it to me when he feels like I’m ready.”