Fred Johnson was almost out of the league. When he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad in 2022, few thought he would become the Eagle’s top backup tackle. Even with the teaching of Jeff Stoutland. But Fred Johnson believed.
“I think my ability to never waiver and constantly fight the good fight is probably the most Fred thing about me.”
And everyone on the Eagles loves the most “Fred” thing about Fred. They also loved his performance versus the Saints on Sunday but his journey to get there was a long time in the making.
The Eagles
The Eagles are Fred’s 4th team since entering the NFL in 2019 as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. When he arrived, he had the mindset to make Philadelphia his home.
Being a backup for an offensive line as vaulted as the Eagles might not have seemed like the safest decision, but he felt it to be the best.
“I’ve been waived, I’ve been picked back up, I’ve been picked back up and waived. It’s only so much before you start thinking ‘damn am I really worth it. I came in here and seen an opportunity, and I took it. Just to feel wanted, just to feel like this could be a place for me has motivated me that much more to go on”
Fred had been struggling with the challenges of his career and the Eagles players and coaches made him feel wanted when he needed it most.
“You hit rock bottom, you keep going down or you build yourself back up. And I wouldn’t be able to do it without Stout, & Lane telling me, ‘You got it, just figure it out.’”
It took Fred some time to buy into what the Eagles were selling and overcome his doubts about being worthy of a multi-year contract, but after his first season, he was a believer.
He came into his second year with Philadelphia ready to accept their love and dedication to him by being even more focused.
“Stout just said I’m not going to quit on you, I’m not going to give up on you and that is just something I appreciate him the most for because I was on my way out the league”
Fred had a great camp and was rewarded with a 2-year contract extension in August 2023.
The Eagles were rewarded when he stepped onto the field in the Caesars Superdome versus the Saints last week.
Number Called
Before being called for duty versus New Orleans after the Eagles all-pro Right Tackle, Lane Johnson, left the game concussed, Fred had only played 37 snaps since 2021.
The backups on the offensive line have a small chance to play unless injury arises to the starters, even so, Lane Johnson gave a passionate message to the backups on Saturday night before the game when Jeff Stoutland allowed Lane to address the room. He told the backups to be ready if their numbers were called and that he trusted them.
Did Lane Johnson have a hunch?
There are reports he was sick and throwing up before the game, so maybe he thought someone could play due to his illness. Either way, his premonition was proven true. Two back-ups did have to enter the game, including Fred.
When Fred Johnson replaced Lane Johnson, many thought the ground game and passing attack would be vulnerable and struggle to produce.
Many were wrong.
Fred played 33 pass-blocking snaps, allowing five pressures and, most importantly, zero sacks. He was also very effective in blocking in the running game. Including helping to pave the way for Saquon’s exhilarating 65-yard TD run.
The pent-up emotion of never knowing if he would see the field being realized into such a great moment was hard for him to digest.
Fred described how emotional he was after the play.
“After that touchdown to Saquon, I almost cried on the sideline. I ain’t going to lie. I got emotional. I got really emotional because I thought I’d never be back in action. Everybody knows some of my story. It’s just been a long time coming.”
You could see the joy and appreciation the staff, players, and coaches held for Fred on the sideline and in the locker room. Including Eagles Head Coach, Nick Sirianni.
“ When I was walking up the tunnel, I saw Fred and it was only Fred and I in the tunnel and I gave him a big hug, and man I could see how happy he was. We talk about roles a lot, those guys’ role was to be ready to go if their numbers called, and they sure were”
His number was called, and Saquon Barkley was not surprised by the performance.
“That’s why Stout’s on their ass like that every day.”
If “the backups” have to play again this Sunday, Saquon and the Eagles are confident they can produce for the offense again.
Eagles at Tampa Bay
Lane Johnson is still in the NFL concussion protocol but trending in the right direction. He was on the field stretching with the team at Thursday’s practice.
As of this writing, it is uncertain who will play Right Tackle for the Eagles on Sunday in Tampa Bay, but what is certain is if Fred Johnson has to go, he will be ready.
As always, Thank you for reading!
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Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
