Ex-Falcon Darius Johnson returning to NFL

[Harry0569]

http://espn.go.com/blog/atlanta-falcons ... o-football

lip on the first-half film from last year's Atlanta Falcons-New Orleans Saints showdown at the Georgia Dome and one player sticks out: Darius Johnson.

The former Falcons receiver, then an undrafted rookie out of Southern Methodist who began on the practice squad, suddenly made a name for himself with five catches for 65 yards before halftime. He almost had a touchdown, but the play was ruled short of the end zone following a review.

Johnson
"After the game, I watched it again," Johnson said of the nationally televised broadcast. "Just to see Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders talking about me, it was really cool. It was a wonderful feeling."

As good as he felt at that moment, his passion for the game dwindled over a period of time. The end result was Johnson's abrupt decision to leave the Falcons back in July coming off a season during which he caught 22 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown. The team officially waived Johnson after he expressed a desire to walk away from football.

"I just had to get myself right," Johnson said. "I had gotten myself out of a relationship with God. I just had to get myself right with him. And I just wasn't happy with what I was dealing with. Everybody said I was crazy because I couldn't make money (walking away), but money isn't everything. If you're not happy, you're just not happy."

Johnson considered pursuing a coaching opportunity at his old school, SMU. After months of self-reflection, he has decided to give the NFL another shot. Johnson said he has a workout scheduled with the New York Giants next week. He said his former college coach, June Jones, is trying to help him secure a look from the Denver Broncos as well.

Such a decision no doubt will look like a slap in the face to his former teammates, but Johnson understands a return to the Falcons would be virtually impossible.

"That would be the ideal situation, to be back in the position I was in," he said. "My agent has been talking to them, but I have no idea what they would do."

Johnson thought he was in decent shape to make the roster before his decision to leave. That was before Devin Hester's emergence and before special-teams needs surfaced for guys such as Courtney Roby and Eric Weems.

"When I was talking to coach Mike Smith, he was telling me I was the fourth receiver and they were looking for me to do big things this year," Johnson said. "I told my agent about my situation and then we talked to (general manager) Thomas Dimitroff. That's it."

Johnson was arrested for a DUI back in May. The Falcons refused to classify his departure as related to any disciplinary action.

"That had nothing to do with it," Johnson said of the arrest. "That had happened months before."

Johnson was asked if he has drinking problem.

"No," he responded.

As he proceeds with his plans for a return, it's interesting to note the Falcons play the Giants in Week 5. If next week's workout goes as planned, it should make for an interesting reunion come Oct. 5.

[StallionsModelT]

Glad that June is busy trying to make sure DJ makes it in the league. Hey maybe he can scratch out some time to score A POINT in an actual college game while he's at it.

[Harry0569]

Glad that June is busy trying to make sure DJ makes it in the league. Hey maybe he can scratch out some time to score A POINT in an actual college game while he's at it.

I saw DJ out in Atlanta a few months ago and I asked him about JJ.

He spoke EXTREMELY highly of him and really enjoyed playing for him, on top of his connections in the NFL. I was quite surprised.

[Junior]

I'm glad to hear that he's trying to get back in the league. he was coming off a good rookie season that he could build on.

[JasonB]

Interesting - that is two receivers with him and Cole that thought about walking away from football...

[Come and Take It]

Interesting - that is two receivers with him and Cole that thought about walking away from football...

And they are both 5-9 170.

[PSCA]

You were surprised to hear DJ speak highly of JJ???

Most of JJ's players liked playing for him and like him as a person. We all know he is wired a little different and can be both a challenge and frustrating to read ... among other things. But, he is a players coach, and he will do anything to help these young man ... even after there playing days in college or the NFL are long gone. I know for a fact he has made more then a few calls and contacts in the corporate world to help ex-players who are moving on from football.

Cole got tired of the BS, manipulation, and for a lack of a better way of saying it "the gang up bulling crap" he was getting from the other players/rookies in his first training camp ... it made him step back for a second and ask is it worth it, and do I still love it. Fortunately after a few days home and various conversations ... he said yes it is.

[PSCA]

Oh yes, most important ... Good luck DJ, I hope it all works out. DJ was always a likable pleasant young man. Still remember that 2011 game in Ft Worth ... he was unbelievable. I would not mind if he landed in Denver, two former Mustangs catching passes from the great PM. I heard Denver currently has a need for a 5' something slot receiver. Beyond the suspension .... who knows what the latest concussion means for Wes W future.

[AustinPerson]

So SMU once had a team whose receivers included:

1. Emmanuel Sanders
2. Aldrick Robinson
3. Cole Beasley
4. Darius Johnson

Not bad. I guess June recruited Darius Johnson. Cole was mustache coach's guy but was held on by June.