Next Sunday, five months to the day after Stafon Johnson nearly died in a weightlifting accident, the USC running back will work out at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Just being another numbered prospect is a remarkable victory for Johnson, who still can barely speak above a scratchy whisper.
Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports details Johnson’s long road back, which first included eating solid food again in late November. Johnson has regained strength by hitting the weight room again. He lifts 225 pounds between 23-27 times.
Those around Johnson say the accident only strengthened Johnson’s resolve.
“From the injury to now, his attitude toward playing football, it’s a
total transformation,” said a childhood friend, Lee Spreewell.
Johnson’s draft stock is up for debate. Some see him as a mid-round pick; others think he’ll go undrafted.
“I’m in the business of proving people wrong,” Johnson said. “I always
have been.”
The remarkable toughness Johnson has showed in his fast recovery can only help his chances of becoming a pro.
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BEAST!
Good luck to him.
He’s the type of guy to take a chance on because he will push the other rookies to be their best.
Teams win with guys like Stafon Johnson. Even if he doesn’t end up being a starting-caliber player, he just seems like someone you want on your team.
This young man’s determination is amazing. Good luck to him.
Johnson > Sproles+Tomlinson lol
“I’m in the business of proving people wrong,” Johnson said. “I always have been.”
More rookies entering the NFL should take a page from him.
He sounds like a real solid kid. Hope he makes it.
rosenthal blocked my comment because he can’t write for D*&K , hes 5’4 and couldn’t take it that I pointed out his articles sound like something a 10 year old who reads at a 14 year old level wrote
You suck rosenthal. Go back to the circus.
As a Redskin fan, i don’t want a running back until round 4 and if Johnson is there in round 4, i would love this kid with that round 4 pick, i love this kid’s attitude and heart and toughness.