Aggie from Texas A&M Johnson, Jerrod remaining as quarterback coach with the Houston Texans
Aggie from Texas A&M Jerrod Johnson Remains as Quarterbacks Coach with the Houston Texans
Introduction
When a former college star finds themselves in a position of influence and leadership at the professional level, it is always an exciting time for fans and players alike. This is certainly the case with Jerrod Johnson, the former Texas A&M quarterback, who has continued to make his mark as a coach in the NFL. Johnson’s rise to prominence in the coaching ranks has been an inspiring journey, and his continued role as the quarterbacks coach for the Houston Texans shows just how far he has come since his playing days in College Station.
As one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Texas A&M history, Jerrod Johnson made a name for himself with his arm strength, leadership, and resilience during his time with the Aggies. But while his playing career was remarkable in its own right, Johnson’s transition into coaching has been just as impressive, and his continued work with the Texans as a quarterbacks coach presents a great opportunity for both him and the franchise. This article will explore Jerrod Johnson’s journey, his role with the Houston Texans, and the impact he is having on the next generation of quarterbacks.
Jerrod Johnson’s Playing Career at Texas A&M
Before Johnson became known as a coach in the professional ranks, he first garnered attention as an outstanding quarterback for Texas A&M. A native Texan, Johnson grew up just outside of Dallas and made his name as one of the most dynamic players in the history of Aggie football. He played for the Aggies from 2006 to 2010, making his mark as one of the most prolific passers in Texas A&M history.
Johnson’s arm strength was often a standout quality throughout his career, and he was known for his ability to make throws that few quarterbacks could replicate. His deep ball was a key weapon for the Aggies, and he often used his strong arm to push the ball downfield, leading to big plays in critical moments. However, his talents weren’t just limited to his arm. Jerrod Johnson was also a dual-threat quarterback, capable of making plays with his legs when needed, adding another dimension to his game.
While his career was not without challenges, including a transition from head coach Dennis Franchione to Mike Sherman, Johnson remained resilient and consistently put up strong numbers throughout his time in College Station. He threw for over 7,000 passing yards during his career and added 53 touchdown passes. These impressive stats helped solidify his place in Aggie football history, and even though Texas A&M did not experience the level of team success that they would have hoped during his tenure, Johnson’s individual success was undeniable.
Transitioning to Coaching: From Player to Coach
After his college career, Jerrod Johnson went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft, but he would eventually have a brief stint in the NFL, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. Johnson would also go on to play for several NFL Europe teams before transitioning to the Arena Football League. While his playing career was shorter than expected, it laid the foundation for a future in coaching.
While playing, Johnson began to focus on his long-term goals. He realized that his passion for the game extended beyond just playing; he wanted to have an impact on the next generation of quarterbacks. After his playing days, Johnson began his coaching journey by joining the Houston Texans’ staff in 2017, where he began as a coaching intern. He learned the ropes under Texans’ head coach Bill O’Brien and eventually worked his way up the ranks.
Through his work as an intern, Johnson quickly made an impression with the Texans’ coaching staff and front office. His deep understanding of the quarterback position, combined with his experience in the NFL and his Texas A&M roots, allowed him to connect with players in a way few other coaches could. He could relate to the challenges they faced, both on and off the field, and bring a level of insight and leadership that was invaluable to the Texans’ offense.
In 2019, Jerrod Johnson was promoted to the role of quarterbacks coach, where he worked closely with Deshaun Watson and helped develop the young quarterback into one of the most promising players in the league. Under Johnson’s tutelage, Watson’s skills as a passer flourished, and his understanding of the game improved. Johnson’s ability to break down complex concepts and communicate them effectively to his quarterbacks earned him respect not just from players but from the coaching staff as well.
Jerrod Johnson’s Role with the Houston Texans
As the quarterbacks coach for the Houston Texans, Jerrod Johnson plays a pivotal role in shaping the franchise’s future at the most important position in football. Over the years, the Texans have had their fair share of challenges at the quarterback position, but Johnson’s leadership and expertise have gone a long way in creating a positive environment for growth and development.
Under Johnson’s watch, the Texans’ quarterback room has experienced steady improvement. After Deshaun Watson’s departure, the team faced a pivotal moment in their quest for stability at the position. During this transitional period, Johnson’s knowledge and steady hand have been invaluable as he worked with both young quarterbacks and veteran players to ensure continued development at the position. With Davis Mills, a former Stanford standout, and other quarterbacks like Kyle Allen, Johnson’s mentorship has been instrumental in their progress. His ability to coach quarterbacks to be adaptable and keep their heads calm under pressure is a testament to his skill set as a coach.
The quarterback position in the NFL is one of the most critical roles in any franchise’s success, and the fact that Jerrod Johnson has been entrusted with this responsibility speaks volumes about his capabilities as a coach. Johnson’s role goes beyond simply improving mechanics; he is integral to building a quarterback’s mindset, helping them navigate the mental challenges of the game, and ensuring that they have the tools needed to succeed in high-pressure moments.
Developing the Next Generation of Quarterbacks
As a former college star who understands the pressure of competing at the highest level, Jerrod Johnson has been able to guide quarterbacks not just through technical adjustments but also through the mental side of the game. He has been instrumental in helping quarterbacks with film study, game preparation, and emotional resilience. His emphasis on mental toughness and strategic thinking is one of the keys to his success as a coach.
In addition to working with professional quarterbacks, Johnson is also a valuable resource for any young player aspiring to make it to the next level. His experience as a college player at Texas A&M and as a NFL coach allows him to offer a unique perspective to those looking to follow in his footsteps. As a result, he has become a mentor not only to the Texans’ current quarterbacks but also to those in the Aggie football program, maintaining his roots and giving back to the Texas A&M community.
Building Relationships with Players
One of the most significant aspects of Jerrod Johnson’s coaching style is his ability to build strong relationships with his players. This is a quality that he honed during his time at Texas A&M, where he was known for his leadership both on and off the field. As a quarterbacks coach, Johnson has maintained a strong rapport with the Texans’ quarterbacks, earning their trust and respect. His approachability and understanding of their needs and challenges make him an excellent resource for any quarterback, whether they are a rookie or a seasoned veteran.
Johnson’s personal experience with the highs and lows of football enables him to connect with his players on a deeper level. Having gone through the ups and downs of college football and the NFL, he brings a level of empathy and understanding to his coaching that players appreciate.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Jerrod Johnson and the Texans
As Jerrod Johnson continues his coaching career with the Houston Texans, the future is bright for both him and the franchise. He has proven himself to be one of the rising stars in NFL coaching, and his leadership and development of quarterbacks will be crucial as the Texans look to establish stability at the quarterback position moving forward.
There is also the possibility that Johnson could eventually rise to an even higher role within the Texans’ coaching staff, potentially becoming an offensive coordinator or even a head coach down the road. His development as a coach and his ability to work with players in every facet of the game make him a valuable asset to the Texans, and his future in the NFL is undoubtedly one to watch.
