Organized Team Activities are always voluntary when it comes to Chicago Bears off-season practices. It rarely has everybody in attendance. Yet that doesn't stop plenty in the media from raising concerns whenever somebody notable isn't there. One of the biggest names getting criticism on sports radio lately is Jaylon Johnson. The fourth-year cornerback was missing from the first two OTA periods so far. It seems somewhat troubling, given how important this season is for him with his rookie contract expiring. Some wonder if this is the beginning stages of a holdout.
Head coach Matt Eberflus hasn't expressed any concerns about it. Still, the buzz won't go away. So Johnson himself decided to put the rumors to rest. He appeared on Keyshawn, J-Will, & Max for ESPN to talk about the upcoming season. Keyshawn Johnson decided to ask the question of why he hasn't been at OTAs. It turns out it has nothing to do with money. Johnson has been using the missed practices to spend time with his young daughter. He doesn't get to do that much during the season. Also, he is putting work into his charity ventures.
With those obligations complete, he plans to return for the final phase of OTAs next week.
Jaylon Johnson should not be shamed for having other priorities.
Yes, this is a big year for him on the field. His focus should be on helping the Bears win. It's what they pay him so much money for. Even so, he is still a human being. His football career will end up being a small part of his overall life. The man is right to give his child some extra time while also focusing on charity work. Those will prove far more fulfilling in the long term compared to whatever he does on Sundays. There is plenty of time for him to get himself ready for September.
Meanwhile, his absence might be doing the Bears a benefit. It gives some of their rookies a chance at extra reps in drills, including 2nd round pick Tyrique Stevenson and 5th round pick Terell Smith. Both have taken full advantage of those opportunities. So nobody can say Jaylon Johnson staying away was entirely a bad thing. Now he is set to return, and people can stop talking about it.
