Jaylon Johnson Left Off NFL's Top 100 List Despite Stellar 2023 Season
By any measure, Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson had an outstanding 2023 season. He earned second-team All-Pro honors, received a Pro Bowl bid, and managed to record career-high stats, including four interceptions—one of which was his first pick-six—and a forced fumble. Furthermore, Johnson’s lockdown abilities were on full display as he held opponents to a mere 50.9 passer rating when targeted and allowed just a 55% completion rate.
However, despite these remarkable achievements, Johnson found himself conspicuously absent from the NFL's Top 100 list, a snub that has left both fans and analysts baffled, and Johnson himself visibly frustrated.
A Surprising Omission
“Bull----,” Johnson succinctly remarked when asked about his exclusion. His candid reaction continued, “It's bull----. There ain't no way. I don't know how you make Pro Bowl, All-Pro and not [be] a Top 100 guy. I could've been 101 I guess, but goddamn, [New York Jets quarterback] Aaron Rodgers didn't even play in the season and he was voted [92nd]." Johnson’s indignation captures what many view as a glaring oversight in the league's ranking process.
While the NFL's Top 100 list did recognize two of his Bears teammates—wide receiver Keenan Allen at No. 51 and defensive end Montez Sweat at No. 82—Johnson’s absence is perplexing considering the impact he had on the field.
Defying Setbacks
From his perspective, fans and fellow players seem to have misjudged his contributions. “I mean, hey, everybody makes mistakes, it ain’t just the media that do it. Players clearly—if they voted for it—they made some god damn mistakes. But it is what it is. At the end of the day I know the truth and it’s alright, I got some more for them.”
It's not just about personal validation for Johnson. His commitment to the Bears is evident, with the cornerback securing a four-year, $76 million contract extension in March. This financial commitment underscores his value to the team, even if it hasn’t been recognized league-wide in the same manner.
Motivation Through Disrespect
Johnson is adamant that his exclusion from the list won't demotivate him but instead fuel his drive. “It's disrespectful because I go out there, line up and I know receivers go out there and can't say that I'm not one of best players that they play against,” he remarked. “So I mean, whatever it is, it happened. Doing it wouldn’t have moved me to where I’m complacent, but just to see it—ain’t no way there are 100 guys who are better. Ain’t no way. Especially guys who didn't play, who were hurt, played half—ain't no f---ing way. Excuse my language. Ain’t no way. Ain’t no way.”
Already a fiercely competitive player, Johnson plans to channel this snub into his offseason preparation. He has made it clear that this perceived slight will “100%” serve as motivation as he gears up for another year with the Bears.
Preparing for the Future
In a league where individual accomplishments often get spotlighted, Johnson’s exclusion from the Top 100 list is a stark reminder that recognition can sometimes be elusive. Still, his unwavering confidence and determination suggest that this oversight might be an error that the NFL won’t be able to ignore next season.
For Johnson, the focus now shifts to proving once again that he’s among the league's elite. As the 2024 season approaches, both his teammates and opposing receivers should be prepared to see an even more driven and relentless Jaylon Johnson, eager to let his performance on the field provide the most compelling argument for his place among the NFL's top players.