Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has accepted the head coaching position with the Chicago Bears, leaving many Lions fans in disbelief. The news has sent ripples throughout the NFL community, especially among Lions players, who have mostly stayed quiet until now. However, Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions’ standout wide receiver, opened up on the latest episode of his podcast, shedding light on his feelings about Johnson’s decision.

Amon-Ra St. Brown's Admiration for Ben Johnson

During the episode, St. Brown expressed his admiration for Johnson, calling him one of the best coaches he has ever worked with. "I obviously love Ben. He’s smart, and one of the hardest-working coaches I’ve been around. I would have loved to keep him in Detroit forever, but that’s just not the reality. Coaches are ambitious, and this was a great opportunity for him,” he stated, recognizing the difficult career choices that coaches must make.

Response to Backlash

St. Brown also addressed the backlash from fans who accused Johnson of being distracted during the Lions’ playoff matchup against the Washington Commanders, suggesting that he may not have been fully committed to preparing the game plan because of his impending interviews for head coaching positions. “Everyone on Twitter—Lions fans—are hating him, saying, ‘He didn’t prepare for this playoff game.’ Trust me. I know Ben. He was as locked in as can be for that game,” St. Brown asserted passionately.

A Light-hearted Exchange

In a light-hearted moment on the podcast, St. Brown recounted a conversation he had with Johnson post-announcement. “I told him, ‘For two times a year, Ben, we’re going to beat you,’” was how St. Brown playfully challenged his former coach. Johnson humorously replied, “I’ma beat you up,” leading to back-and-forth banter that highlighted their respectful relationship even amidst the competition.

Mixed Emotions

Despite St. Brown's fondness for Johnson, he did confess his disappointment about the coach joining a rival team. “I didn’t know if he was going to take the Bears job, if I’m being honest, but he did,” he remarked, illustrating the mixed emotions faced by players during such transitions.

Impact on NFL Dynamics

In the world of the NFL, coaching changes can have significant impacts on team dynamics, and Johnson’s move to the Bears could very well influence future matchups within the NFC North. As for St. Brown, he’s clearly ready to bring his A-game when facing off against his old coach's new team.

Conclusion

Fans are now left wondering: how will Johnson adapt to this new role, and how might it change the competitive landscape of the Bears and the Lions moving forward? One thing is for sure, St. Brown vows to make their encounters heated and fun. Stay tuned for more updates on Ben Johnson's new venture and its implications for the upcoming NFL season!