Image via patriots.com

The New England Patriots signed the versatile Jakob Johnson, who last played in Germany’s football league for the Stuttgart Scorpions and is joining the Patriots as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. It started in 2017 to give international athletes the opportunity to improve their skills and earn a spot on an NFL roster. I was lucky enough to strike an interview with former Tennessee Volunteer.



During my Q&A with Jakob, I asked him about his versatility throughout his football career and how Bill Belichick values that aspect of the game so intensely. I mentioned if we could possibly see him getting some work with the tight ends and fullbacks along with some reps on the defensive side of the ball. Jakob told me, “I have worked with tight ends and fullbacks but I’m not sure if anything is planned for me on the defensive side of the ball, but I am working on mastering all the information given to me and not worrying about anything to happen in the future. Anything can come my way and I will take it with open arms.” He was recruited to the University of Tennessee as a linebacker, which he played in his first year of football in his senior year of high school.



Johnson has transitioned a lot through his young football career. From playing in Tennessee, then heading to Germany, and now in New England, I was curious how he will be able to adapt with the defending Super Bowl champions. When I asked about it, he stated, “It’s a big transition for anyone to go to the next level. Soak it all up and uses the resources I have here with the Patriots and as anyone can imagine playing for the defending champs is a dream come true.” Johnson is one of six players who are participating in the International Pathway Program and if he happens to not make the 53 Man roster he will automatically join New England’s practice squad as an eleventh player, but won’t be eligible to make the active team during the season.



Jakob Johnson has one of the best NFL stories in my opinion. I was amazed by how he only started playing football in his senior year of high school. So I asked him what it was like being recruited to a much-respected school with only one year of high school football under your belt, which he stated, “At the time it was big, I came over to America without a plan B and for it to work out in such short time was a blessing and great opportunity.”



I am greatly honored to have shared a conversation with Johnson. I give a huge thanks to him and the Patriots media team for allowing me the opportunity. I will be rooting Johnson on all summer long in hopes he makes the teams roster!