Virginia Tech Football: Brian Johnson Has a Big Opportunity in Chicago

Brian Johnson was a great kicker for the Virginia Tech Hokies football team, now he finds himself in a position to be great in the NFL.

Journey From Virginia Tech to the NFL So Far

Johnson came to Virginia Tech in the recruiting class of 2016 from Washington D.C. He redshirted his first season and played sparingly the following season. He was able to learn from another great Hokie kicker in Joey Slye for his first two years on the team. He did see some action in 2017 as he went three-for-four in field goals and hitting all five extra points in five games played.

The 2018 season was when Johnson was handed the reigns of the kicking game by starting all 13 games. He hit 12 of his 18 field goals and went a perfect 44-of-44 in extra-point attempts. His numbers in 2019 got a bit better going 19-of-23 in field goals and hitting all 48 extra points.

In 2020, Johnson was more successful as he went 20-for-26 in field goals and knocking through all 34 extra points. He hit a career-long 55 yarder against the North Carolina Tar Heels.

He hit every single extra point that he attempted in his college career, a streak of 131 straight successful kicks. It is the most consecutive kicks made in Virginia Tech football history. He finished his career with a field goal success rate of 76.1%. Johnson is sixth all-time on the career scoring list with 293 points.

What to Expect from Brian Johnson in 2021

Johnson signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Chicago Bears in May of 2021. He joins Cairo Santos as the only two kickers currently on the Bears roster. Chicago has been known for their kicking woes but Santos was a star for them this past season. The seven-year veteran went 30-of-32 on field goals and hit all but one of his extra-point attempts. Santos might have the starting spot locked up but he will have to be aware of Johnson lurking behind him in the depth chart.

Johnson is automatic on extra points and was perfect inside of 30 during his collegiate career. He’s got a big leg that can watch and learn from Santos much as he did with Joey Slye in college. He’s got the potential to have a great NFL career. He just has to take every opportunity that he is given.