BUFFALO, N.Y. (WROC) — After one of the most turbulent years of his career, running back Ty Johnson is thrilled to be back with the Bills.
"Showing up happy, smiling every day even if I’m tired," is how Johnson describes playing with Buffalo. "Happy because I remember last year. I wasn’t anywhere."
Last year began with Johnson signing a contract for the Jets in March of 2023 following three promising years in green and white. Not long after, he tore his pec while working out.
"I was benching a lot of weight. I had it. It was 415. I had it right here, and then (the pec) popped," Johnson said.
The Jets advised him to get surgery, but after going under the knife, the team cut him within the week. At the time, he posted on social media that he had gone through some dark, dark days. Now, he calls it a blessing.
"That whole offseason was a blessing I think because it helped my mental a lot. Just being able callous my mind and have that preparation of like, ‘yes, something bad happened but there’s going to be something great at the end of it'," Johnson said.
The Bills inquired about his health throughout the offseason. Johnson's goals at the time were limited to every day touchdowns.
"Waking up in the morning and making my bed every single morning because that was a challenge for me. Especially with that fitted sheet. One arm? I tell you what, that was hell," Johnson says, wincing at the memory. "And then carrying groceries. You know how you get all those groceries you try and make one trip? I’m trying to carry gallons of water and all this food and I’m using my right arm just carrying my groceries, just doing things like that."
After signing with the Bills, his breakout game came in Week 11. Johnson scored a real-life touchdown against none other than the New York Jets.
What was it like scoring against his old team?
"C’mon now," Johnson said with a huge smile. "It was like, yeah, yeah. But I’m not getting into that. But it was great."
Johnson will be the Bills' RB2 to start the season, fulfilling the promise he told himself at his lowest point.
"I knew I can keep going, keep going," he said. "I’m supposed to be here."
