Former Cardinal David Johnson hopes to prove critics wrong in Houston

Arizona has been focused in on the DeAndre Hopkins side of the Cardinals’ trade with the Houston Texans since the news broke in March.

And rightfully so. The deal brings in an All-Pro wideout to pair alongside a young quarterback looking to make a jump in Year 2 of his NFL career.

But what about the other side of the trade? We know Hopkins’ feelings on the exchange, but what of David Johnson and his thoughts of not only the trade but 2019 now in the rearview?

We finally have some insight.

Meeting with Houston reporters for the first time since the trade became official over video conference, Johnson opened up on his last year with the Cardinals and the move to the Texans.

Though Johnson was named the starting RB to start the season, he quickly found himself lower on the totem pole with the improved play of Chase Edmonds and the midseason addition of Kenyan Drake to the roster.

After averaging just over 12 carries a game in the first six outings, Johnson combined for just 18 for the remainder of the season. He missed a total of three games.

“I think last season was just rough, I had little nicks and bruises with some minor injuries, nothing major,” Johnson said Friday. “[Cardinals head coach] Kliff [Kingsbury] told me they were going with the hot hand with Chase [Edmonds] and Kenyan [Drake] and it was just tough to bounce back from that.

“But it’s a new team and I’m excited, I think the biggest thing I want to contribute to the team is just my ability to run the ball and to be able to catch.”

Johnson may be excited for a fresh start, but there are many that criticized the trade, saying the Hopkins-for-Johnson swap was clearly one-sided.

It’s not out of the ordinary for Johnson, who still has a chip on his shoulder and is looking to rebound from his recent struggles.

“You can’t please everyone, I learned that as well in the league,” Johnson added when talking about the criticism he and the Texans have received online. “Everyone’s got something to say, especially with social media getting so big … There’s always going to be something no matter what you do.

“You could be the greatest and someone will still have something to say, so I’ve learned a long time ago to ignore that and keep grinding and I’m as prepared as I can be for Houston.”

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