How a former Michigan standout is dealing with an NFL roster full of Ohio State football products

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Arizona has become a hotbed for Buckeyes with the Cardinals holding a collection of former Ohio State football players on their roster.

For former Michigan cornerback Will Johnson — the Cardinals’ second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — the trend is noticeable.

“Fresh off the plane, I’m like, ‘Man, there’s too many of y’all over here,’” Johnson joked with reporters last week. “They’ve got to get me out of here.”

Linebacker Baron Browning, cornerback Denzel Burke, offensive tackle Paris Johnson, linebacker Cody Simon and receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. make up the OSU-to-Arizona pipeline on the Cardinals’ roster.

While many of those former Buckeyes have faced Johnson in fierce renditions of The Game, some have become good friends.

Johnson said he trained with Denzel Burke in Arizona leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft. Receiver Emeka Egbuka, who was drafted by Tampa in the first round last month, was also there.

Even Harrison, the star receiver who went head-to-head with Johnson, has gotten close with Johnson. Those two, along with Burke, went golfing together recently.

“They kind of eased me into it, so I’m good now,” Johnson said. “It’s no bad blood.”

A former Michigan standout navigating an NFL roster filled with Ohio State football products exemplifies resilience and strategic adaptability. With a background steeped in Michigan’s fierce rivalry with Ohio State, he faces the unique challenge of proving his value amidst a team dominated by Buckeyes alumni, who often carry a chip on their shoulder. This dynamic fuels his motivation to showcase his skills through relentless training, smart playmaking, and leadership both on and off the field. Embracing the competitive atmosphere, he leverages his Michigan experience to foster camaraderie and focus on team success, turning potential rivalry tensions into opportunities for growth and unity. Ultimately, his journey underscores the importance of perseverance, mental toughness, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in a league where college allegiances often influence locker room dynamics.

Building on this, the former Michigan standout uses his background as a source of motivation rather than division, understanding that respect and professionalism transcend college loyalties. He concentrates on his craft, studying film meticulously to exploit weaknesses and enhance his strengths, demonstrating that talent and work ethic can bridge rivalries. Off the field, he becomes a leader, mentoring younger players and fostering a sense of unity that challenges the stereotypes of college football rivalries spilling into the professional realm. His demeanor and dedication earn respect from teammates and coaches alike, proving that individual character can reshape perceptions and influence team chemistry positively. While the presence of Ohio State alumni may create moments of tension, he navigates these with diplomacy, focusing on shared goals of team success and personal development. Over time, his consistent performance and leadership begin to shift perceptions, transforming the rivalry into a narrative of mutual respect and collaboration. His journey highlights that in the NFL, the true measure of a player’s legacy lies not in college allegiances but in their ability to adapt, lead, and excel amidst diverse backgrounds.

As the season progresses, the former Michigan star continues to demonstrate resilience and professionalism, often turning challenging situations into opportunities for growth. His dedication in practice earns him increased trust from coaches, leading to more prominent roles on game day, where he makes critical plays that impact the outcome. This not only boosts his confidence but also challenges any lingering perceptions of bias or rivalry-based bias within the team. His unwavering focus on team goals fosters a culture of unity, encouraging teammates to look beyond college borders and embrace a collective identity rooted in professionalism and shared ambition. His story resonates as a testament to the power of perseverance and character, illustrating that personal integrity can elevate a player beyond college rivalries and into a leadership role in the NFL. Over time, his example inspires younger players to approach their careers with the same dedication, emphasizing that success is ultimately determined by one’s work ethic and ability to adapt, regardless of college affiliations. This journey underscores that in professional football, rivalries are secondary to the pursuit of excellence and the bonds forged through shared struggles and victories.