Josh Johnson’s Emotional Reaction After Tough Loss to Cowboys
Washington Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson expressed his disappointment following the team’s narrow 30-23 defeat against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 at Northwest Stadium. This game marked a significant moment for Johnson, as it was his first start since his time with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021, stepping in after injuries sidelined both Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.
A Painful Reflection
In the aftermath of the game, Johnson opened up about the emotional toll of the loss. “It hurts,” he said, his voice heavy with the weight of the moment. “Even though it was a short week, we prepared well. There were things we wanted to accomplish, and we left a couple of plays out there on the field. I know this is going to sit with me for a couple of days. So it hurts. It hurts.”
The gravity of the situation was evident in Johnson’s demeanor as he faced the media. Despite the setback, he showcased the resilience that has defined his career.
Performance Under Pressure
In the loss against Dallas, Johnson completed 15 of 23 passes for 198 yards, a performance that kept the Commanders competitive. While some might label his statistics as typical for a backup quarterback, for Johnson, this game represented something more profound. As he nears the potential end of his playing career, his perspective has shifted.
“I know I can play at a high level,” he acknowledged. “But I also understand what comes with it. I’m not here to prove anything anymore. God has put me in this position for a reason. Whatever this game gives me, I want to absorb it and produce good things for the world. Football has blessed me in many ways, not just for my family but for my community.”
Gratitude Over Validation
Johnson’s words resonated with a deep sense of gratitude rather than desperation for validation. “Every year I’ve played, every coach I’ve had—it’s not even about proving myself as a player anymore,” he explained. “If you believe in me, great; if not, that’s fine too. Every time I step onto the field, I just want to show my gratitude to the man above for being in this position. Most backup quarterbacks don’t last this long or get these opportunities, and I’m thankful for that.”
As the Commanders prepare for their next challenge against the Philadelphia Eagles, Johnson is ready to embrace one final chance to showcase not just his skills, but the appreciation he holds for the game and the journey it has taken him on.
