Emmett Johnson enters his rookie season with a chip on his shoulder

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson spoke with reporters in a press conference for the first time shortly after being selected 161st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. He recalled his experience playing at Arrowhead Stadium last season and going into his rookie campaign with a chip on his shoulder.

“Yeah, it was amazing (playing at Arrowhead Stadium). I didn’t get to meet – I seen some of the players walking down on the field, but I didn’t get to meet them,” said Johnson, “I saw (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid too. It was just a blessing to be out there, man. I really loved the field, loved the environment, and I know a lot of Nebraska fans are going to follow me there, so it’s going to be great.”

Nebraska would go on to defeat Cincinnati 20-17, with Johnson recording 108 yards on 25 carries; he also hauled in 7 catches for 27 yards. Johnson revealed his motivation in the league by playing with a chip on his shoulder after being doubted and falling to the 5th round.

“It fuels me every single second of the day. I’ve just got a chip on my shoulder. I feel like a box of Pringles at this point now.” sad Johnson, “It fuels me, man. I’ve had a lot of things that have fueled me in the past; I’ve been through a lot of adversity, so I feel like I’m ready for whatever. I just needed an opportunity like I said, man, I’m going to be ready to work, and I just can’t wait to get to work.”

In four seasons at Nebraska, Johnson appeared in 41 games, tallying 2,460 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 458 attempts. He also had 92 receptions for 702 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and Academic All-Big Ten from 2023 to 2025.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Emmett Johnson enters his rookie season with a chip on his shoulder