While no starters play in the NFL‘s Hall of Fame Game, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any players who will shine. In the 2024 edition between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans, Bears wide receiver Collin Johnson found the spotlight.
Bears’ Collin Johnson Shines in 2024 Hall of Fame Game
It didn’t take long for Johnson to show off, scoring the Bears’ first touchdown of the game on a 20-yard pass from Brett Rypien in the second quarter. However, that wasn’t the only thing he did on Thursday night.
Early in the third quarter, Johnson caught his second touchdown of the game, a nine-yard strike from Rypien once again.
The Collin Johnson game
📺: ESPN pic.twitter.com/z3GZ74RlZ3
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 2, 2024
Through three quarters, Johnson had caught three passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns. He also had another near-incredible catch called back upon review. The second of Johnson’s three receptions was a 27-yard gain in which he went up and got it in a contested-catch situation.
Shortly after, before the fourth quarter could begin, the game was delayed due to severe weather. Johnson’s emergence caught the attention of the NFL world.
Are we sure the broadcast is saying Collin Johnson? pic.twitter.com/cKINDJhzv1
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) August 2, 2024
“My favorite thing about preseason is going to find old draft tweets about the players who are showing out. Big Collin Johnson guy checking in,” said Benjamin Solak of ESPN on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Get To Know Collin Johnson
Johnson is no newbie to the NFL, having been in the league since 2020 when he was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, his football journey began at Valley Christian High School in California, leading to his commitment to the University of Texas in 2014.
Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 222 pounds, Johnson made a significant impact on the field. Over four years, he caught 188 passes for 2,624 yards and 15 touchdowns. His best season came in 2018, his junior year, when he caught 68 passes for 985 yards and seven touchdowns. The Jaguars selected him in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
As a rookie with Jacksonville, Johnson played in 14 games without starting any. He caught 18 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his contributions, he was cut before his second season.
He was then claimed off of waivers by the New York Giants, where he played in 12 games in 2021, including one start. He caught 11 passes for 105 yards and no touchdowns before tearing his Achilles ahead of the 2022 season, leading to his release.
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In 2023, Johnson was signed to the Bears’ practice squad, where he spent the entire season. He was elevated to the active roster when the offseason began, allowing him to compete for a spot on the team’s 53-man roster.
All in all, Johnson has caught 30 passes in his career for 388 yards and two touchdowns.
The 26-year-old is fighting for a roster spot, and it’s safe to say he made a strong impression during Chicago’s preseason opener.