Former Maryland running back Ty Johnson’s hard work and resilience have allowed him to find a home with the Buffalo Bills.
The 5-foot-10, 210-pound running back from Cumberland, Md., did not receive an invitation to the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine following a productive four-year career with the Terps. His opportunity came through Maryland’s Pro Day, when scouts were impressed with what they saw from Johnson. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2019 draft.
Johnson has been as resilient as one can be in the NFL, having bounced around in the league with three different teams since entering the league, but he’s still here. For Johnson, “it comes down to a love of the game, realistically.”
“I question it myself, if I should keep going or what, but at the end of the day, I love the game,” Johnson said on Glenn Clark Radio Sept. 27. “This game has been a blessing to my life and it’s allowed me to bless others in my life, so it’s just been a great experience. I’m very grateful to still have a team and coaches that believe in me at the end of the day.”
Playing in the NFL is a rare opportunity that only a select few ever experience. For some players, the chance to step on the field means more than just winning games — it’s about appreciating every moment. Johnson’s attitude keeps him grounded and reminds him how fortunate he is to be part of something so special.
“I take it with a sense of gratitude,” Johnson said. “Every time we step on the field, whether it’s a primetime game or anything, just stepping on the field has just been amazing and I show a lot of gratitude toward that because at the end of the day, not a lot of people get to do that.”
Despite some personnel changes in the offseason, the Bills remain firmly in the conversation as serious Super Bowl contenders. A 3-2 record has them atop the AFC East. Next, they face the New York Jets on “Monday Night Football” on Oct. 14.
Johnson knows his success is only part of the equation for the Bills — there’s always more work to be done to reach the ultimate goal.
“Really it’s just, everyone showing up and putting in the work,” Johnson said. “Not everyone is in the building so we get to see what we see and then it’s on display on game day. It’s just one of those things, us being us, keeping it locked in with each other, and just showing up and working. That’s all it is at the end of the day. I’m not listening to any outside noise or anything like that.”
Johnson has taken part in 24 percent of Buffalo’s offensive snaps through five games, totaling 103 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. He may be in line for a bigger workload against the Jets with starter James Cook (foot/toe) ailing.
“It’s really just showing up every day and just doing my job,” Johnson said. “Whether it’s blocking or special teams running the ball, whatever it may be, running routes, opening up different windows, it’s just doing my job at the end of the day, and when you do that the ball will find you.”
Johnson began his career with the Lions before finding another opportunity with the Jets, but the brotherhood in Buffalo has completely won him over. Comfort and confidence have always been keys for Johnson, and this environment has proven to be where he succeeds the most.
Johnson signed a one-year deal to return to the Bills back in March.
“Just the love for each other at the end of the day,” he said. “I wanted to be back no matter what just because we’ve got a team like this. Everyone just loves everyone for having success. You want other people to have success and that’s a great thing to me. Whether I’m getting success or not, the love for each other is just immaculate.”
For more from Johnson, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox