Jarret Johnson epitomizes what it takes to be a Baltimore Raven.
The hard working, blue-collared attitude Johnson exhibited each and every game game for nine years in a Ravens uniform certainly made him a fan favorite.
What you see is what you get from the former Alabama linebacker and on Wednesday, the Homestead, Florida native announced during a press conference at the Under Armour Performance Center that he would retire as a Baltimore Raven.
“This is an honor for me – to be sitting here [seeing] so many faces that have meant so much to me throughout my career.” remarked Jarret when taking to the podium. “This organization – from Art Modell to Steve Bisciotti – it’s always a reflection from the top down, from Ozzie and everything they do here.”
“I just went back to the [Ravens Productions] studios and everything is [a] class act. Everything is first-class. And the people that are here you want to be around, you want to work with, and it has always been like that,” added Johnson. “If there’s another organization like it, I don’t know, but it’s a testament to the organization when people come back and want to be a part of it.”
Johnson was as hard-nosed as they come playing in a streak of 129 straight games, (2003-11) which still ranks as the second-most consecutive games played in Ravens history. While his numbers were never gawdy (350 tackles, 25.5 sacks, three interceptions, one touchdown and 11 forced fumbles in his career), Johnson played a huge role in defending against the run. The soft-spoken Johnson played a key role on a Ravens defense that didn’t surrender a 100-yard rusher from 2006-2009.
“He set the tempo out on the practice field, and he definitely set the tempo on Sundays when we would be playing games,” Newsome stated upon announcing that the team would clear a roster spot soon to add Johnson. “He was a guy that from the very first day [that he] came in became one of the guys that the other guys would follow.”
Perhaps the biggest play that stands out the most to him and Ravens fans everywhere was his hit on then Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward that nearly decleated the mouthy wideout.
“Hines [Ward in 2011], yeah,” said Johnson with a laugh. “Got him. Got him.”
For Johnson life will be different now that he is retired as the veteran linebacker is looking forward to doing things he missed out on while playing.
“I’m enjoying where I’m at right now. I get up early every morning and I have a different goal every day, whether it’s just taking care of my two girls or projects around the house,” remarked Johnson when asked about his future plans. “I fish a lot; I’m on the water a lot. I have some business stuff that I do – not daily – but quite often. But I don’t know.”
“I’m not going to make any big predictions, and I’m definitely not going to close any doors. I’d love to have some role in this game. I don’t know where, [but] we’ll see. I would love to have a connection with this organization and with this game, because I love it. There’s nothing better. But, we’ll see.”
While Johnson never got the chance during his career to achieve a Super Bowl Championship, Double J was filled with pride when the Ravens defeated the 49ers in Super Bowl.
“You’re sitting there watching what you’ve been working for. And even though I wasn’t there, I felt like I had a part of it,” he said about watching the team raise the Lombardi Trophy. “And through this whole thing … I mean no disrespect to San Diego. That place was awesome to me. I cannot say enough about the organization. For them to elect me captain last year in only my third year [was incredible]. But my heart was always here, and when they won it, I was a fan.”
From his involvement in the community to his stints on 98 Rock playing music as a guest host, Jarret Johnson gave his heart to the city of Baltimore, the Ravens and their fans epitomizing what it means to wear the purple and black.
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