Diontae Johnson disclosed the motive behind his refusal to play for the Ravens, resulting in his suspension.
Sound Off, Sports Fans!
Recently, Diontae Johnson, the wide receiver who's been all over the NFL map last season, made a confession on the "Sports & Suits" podcast that's got everyone talking.
It turns out Baltimore's cold wasn't for him. In a Week 13 game against the Eagles in chilly 44-degree highs and 21-degree lows, Johnson refused to play because he felt his legs were "ice cold"! Can you blame the guy? Apparently, the Ravens didn't think so, and they suspended him for the next game. This cold-weather standoff led to a bitter split between Johnson and Baltimore, with his release in mid-December.
But Johnson didn't find warmth in Houston, either. After just two games and some mental disengagement due to perceived playing time disparities, he was cut from the team. Things got heated, too—Johnson got visibly upset after the playoff win over the Chargers and reportedly had to be cooled down by teammates!
Now, he's signed with the Browns on a one-year, $1.7 million deal for the new season. Cross your fingers that Cleveland's milder December averages, around 34 degrees, won't nip Johnson's gameplay in the bud!
So, what's your take on this unconventional move by Johnson? Post your take.
Looking at the bigger picture, Johnson's frostbitten football days in Baltimore seem to haunt him. He landed only one catch for six yards in four appearances and one start for the Ravens, as per records. His cold-weather concerns have been a topic of debate, with some viewing them as complex frustrations with role and mental state. Whether it's the cold or more, the controversy has left fans and analysts divided[1][4][5].
Some believe Cleveland took a "low-risk, potentially high-reward" gamble on Johnson despite his bumpy history and winter worries[1][3][5]. Whether his cold-weather problems will persist and impact his performance in frigid locales—like Cleveland, where cold-weather games are common—will be a question that teams will definitely ponder when looking at Johnson[3].
Upshot: The 2024 season brought Diontae Johnson a frosty tug-of-war with the cold weather, leading to his suspension and release from Baltimore, rocky stays with other teams, and a tough-call decision for the Browns. As the new season beckons, we'll see if Johnson has bustproof solutions for dealing with cold climates in NFL games[1][4][5].
- Diontae Johnson's cold-weather concerns, which caused a storm in Baltimore and influenced his tumultuous tenures with other teams, could potentially be a factor in his performance during cold-weather games in Cleveland, given that the NFL often schedules games in such conditions.
- As the 2024 season unfolds, spectators and analysts alike will closely monitor Johnson's ability to adjust to and overcome any cold-weather challenges he might face, considering his past struggles in colder zones and the potential impact these conditions could have on his gameplay.
