Jerrod Johnson, a graduate of Texas A&M, will continue to teach the quarterbacks for the Houston Texans.
Jerrod Johnson: From Texas A&M to the Houston Texans – Continuing to Teach Quarterbacks
Jerrod Johnson, a name well known in the Texas A&M football community, continues to make waves in the world of professional football. A former star quarterback for the Aggies, Johnson has successfully transitioned from playing in college football to carving out a meaningful role in the NFL, where he has now solidified his position as the quarterbacks coach for the Houston Texans. This new chapter in his career demonstrates his evolution from a player with a promising future to a highly respected mentor for aspiring quarterbacks at the professional level.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into Jerrod Johnson’s journey, exploring his rise at Texas A&M, his time as a player in the NFL, and his continued success as a coach. By examining his impact on the quarterbacks he coaches, as well as his leadership and teaching style, we will gain insight into how Johnson’s experience and football acumen have shaped his role in helping develop the next generation of NFL quarterbacks.
Jerrod Johnson’s Early Years: The Rise of a Star at Texas A&M
Jerrod Johnson’s football journey began long before he became a household name in the NFL. Hailing from a small town in Texas, Johnson grew up with a passion for football and a natural talent for the game. His path to prominence was forged in high school, where he was a dual-threat quarterback. Johnson’s ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground quickly garnered attention from scouts, making him one of the most coveted quarterback prospects in Texas. His arm strength, mobility, and football IQ were just a few of the reasons he attracted major programs, and Texas A&M became the ideal fit for him to develop his potential.
Johnson’s decision to attend Texas A&M in 2006 marked the beginning of a successful collegiate career. At A&M, Johnson became a standout quarterback under head coach Mike Sherman, breaking records and leading the Aggies to numerous victories. He was known for his strong arm and his ability to execute in both passing and running situations. Johnson’s dual-threat capabilities allowed him to be a constant weapon for the Aggies, able to adapt to various offensive schemes and make plays regardless of the situation. Over the course of his college career, he amassed impressive statistics, both as a passer and a runner, earning numerous accolades.
One of Johnson’s most notable achievements at Texas A&M was his record-breaking 2008 season. In that year, he set numerous school records, including passing yards, touchdowns, and total offensive yards. His success at Texas A&M made him one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the country, and his time at the university laid the foundation for what would be a promising professional career.
Transitioning to the NFL: A Learning Experience
Despite his impressive college career, Jerrod Johnson faced the tough reality that success in college football doesn’t always translate to immediate success in the NFL. Johnson went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft, which was a difficult pill to swallow after his stellar career at Texas A&M. However, his resilience and determination never wavered. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent, where he spent time learning behind some of the league’s top quarterbacks.
While his playing time in the NFL was limited, Johnson’s time in the league provided him with invaluable experience. Being around some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL allowed Johnson to learn from the best, refining his skills and his understanding of the game. Although he didn’t get the chance to start in the NFL, his time as a backup quarterback provided him with the unique opportunity to see the inner workings of an NFL offense from the sidelines. Johnson gained insight into how professional quarterbacks approach the game, their leadership styles, and how they prepare both physically and mentally.
After his brief stint in the NFL, Johnson decided to continue his football career by playing in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he spent a couple of years with the Edmonton Eskimos. While his time in the CFL was relatively short, Johnson’s experience there furthered his understanding of the nuances of the game. He worked with a different set of rules and played in a league with a different style of play, but the knowledge he gained during his time north of the border helped shape his future as a coach.
The Transition to Coaching: A Natural Fit
After retiring from playing professional football, Jerrod Johnson found his true calling as a coach. His journey into coaching began when he joined the Texas A&M football staff, where he worked as an assistant coach and contributed to the development of the Aggies’ quarterbacks. His experience as a player, coupled with his strong football IQ, made him an ideal candidate to work with quarterbacks at the collegiate level.
While Johnson was initially focused on teaching and mentoring quarterbacks at the college level, it wasn’t long before his talent as a coach caught the attention of NFL teams. His deep understanding of the quarterback position, his ability to break down film, and his aptitude for teaching made him an invaluable asset to any team looking to develop young quarterbacks.
In 2021, Johnson made the move to the NFL, joining the Houston Texans as a quarterbacks coach. This role was a natural extension of Johnson’s previous coaching experience, and it allowed him to bring his wealth of knowledge to the professional level. As the Texans’ quarterbacks coach, Johnson worked with both young and veteran quarterbacks, helping to refine their skills and prepare them for the challenges of playing at the highest level of football.
Johnson’s Coaching Philosophy: Developing the Complete Quarterback
Jerrod Johnson’s coaching philosophy revolves around developing well-rounded quarterbacks who excel not only in their technical skills but also in their leadership abilities. Johnson emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, football IQ, and communication skills—qualities that are just as crucial as physical talent for a quarterback’s success.
One of the cornerstones of Johnson’s coaching philosophy is the idea that a quarterback must be a student of the game. He believes that a quarterback’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and understand the flow of the game is just as important as their arm strength or accuracy. Johnson encourages his quarterbacks to spend time studying film, learning about the tendencies of opposing defenses, and understanding their own offense’s schemes. By fostering a deep understanding of the game, Johnson ensures that his quarterbacks are always prepared to make the right decisions under pressure.
In addition to mental preparation, Johnson also focuses on developing a quarterback’s physical mechanics. He works with his quarterbacks on everything from their footwork to their throwing mechanics, ensuring that they can make all the necessary throws with accuracy and velocity. His emphasis on technique helps his quarterbacks become more efficient and effective on the field, reducing the risk of injury and increasing their chances for success.
Perhaps just as important as his focus on the technical and mental aspects of quarterback play is Johnson’s ability to instill confidence and leadership in his quarterbacks. Johnson understands that playing quarterback in the NFL is not just about making plays on the field—it’s about commanding the huddle, communicating effectively with teammates, and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. He works closely with his quarterbacks to build their leadership skills, teaching them how to lead by example and inspire confidence in those around them.
Impact on the Houston Texans: Helping Shape the Future
As the quarterbacks coach for the Houston Texans, Jerrod Johnson has been instrumental in shaping the development of the team’s quarterbacks. His work with rookie quarterbacks and veteran signal-callers alike has already made a noticeable impact on the team’s offensive performance. His reputation as a teacher and mentor has earned him respect throughout the NFL, and his approach to coaching has helped elevate the play of quarterbacks under his guidance.
One of the key quarterbacks that Johnson has worked with is Davis Mills, a young quarterback for the Texans who has shown promise in his first few years in the league. Mills, who was drafted by the Texans in the 2021 NFL Draft, has worked closely with Johnson to refine his technique and improve his overall play. Under Johnson’s guidance, Mills has made strides in his decision-making, accuracy, and ability to read defenses. Johnson’s patient, hands-on coaching style has been a critical part of Mills’ growth as a professional quarterback.
In addition to Mills, Johnson has also worked with veteran quarterbacks, helping them adapt to the demands of the NFL and improve their performance. His ability to work with quarterbacks at all levels of experience has been one of his most valuable assets as a coach. Whether it’s a rookie looking to adjust to the speed of the NFL or a veteran trying to refine their game, Johnson has proven that he can help quarterbacks reach their full potential.
The Texans are building a team around a strong defensive core, and the development of their quarterback position is key to their success in the future. As the team continues to grow, Johnson’s impact as a coach will be felt for years to come, as the quarterbacks he has mentored will be expected to lead the team to playoff contention and beyond.
