GREEN BAY, Wis. (WSAW) - The Packers’ offense was far from show-stopping in their preseason debut against the Jets. That is all except rookie running back Amar Johnson. Johnson was the only Packer to reach the end zone to score his first NFL touchdown.
Johnson joined Green Bay’s roster undrafted from South Dakota State, where he was an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference first-team selection in each of his last two seasons as a Jackrabbit. In 59 games, Johnson totaled 3,196 yards and 38 touchdowns.
In his preseason opener with the Packers, Johnson tallied a game-high 67 yards on seven carries. In addition to his 39-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Johnson showed that even though he came from the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, he is just as capable of leaving his mark on the NFL.
“I feel like it was just a level to show that I belong here, and that I can play in the NFL coming from an FCS school,” Johnson said. “Even the guys back at South Dakota State or in the FCS just showed them that it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can do it in the NFL too.”
Johnson’s determination to make a name for himself with the opportunity to get touches in the Packers running back room caught Head Coach Matt Lafleur’s attention.
“He obviously flashed some playmaking ability, and so, he’ll probably earn some more opportunities next week,” Lafleur said.
The best part of scoring a touchdown in the green and gold is the Lambeau Leap. An experience, Johnson said, he could only have dreamed of.
“It was like a dream for me,” Johnson said. “A dream come true. Just making a guy miss, race to the pylon, and Lambeau Leap. The wall is a lot higher than I thought it was, but it was great.”
Johnson and the Packers get a chance to turn their game around next Sunday against the Colts at noon.
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