Former Ute Jaylon Johnson Forces Fumble In Bears Win Over Packers
Jan 5, 2025, 3:26 PM
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 12: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers scores on a 38-yard touchdown reception past Jaylon Johnson #33 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter of the NFL game at Lambeau Field on December 12, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, Wisconsin- Bitter NFC North Division rivals Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers met in the final week of the NFL Regular Season. Jaylon Johnson and the Bears have already been eliminated from playoff contention and the Packers’ playoff seeding has already been solidified, so the meeting between he familiar foes was for nothing more than pride.
Green Bay had won the previous 11 matchups between the two teams, with Chicago’s last victory not coming since December of 2018. So, with the Packers resting many of their starters, the Bears saw a golden opportunity to break the losing streak.
A huge contributing factor to Chicago’s eventual victory was their defensive performance in Week 18. The Bears forced four fumbles against the Packers, recovering two of them, including one from former Utah Ute Jaylon Johnson.
The first quarter was coming to an end and the Bears were forced to punt. The Packers received the ball with the chance to take a lead but only ran one play before Jaylon Johnson punched the ball out of Jayden Reed’s hands. His teammate Jonathan Owens recovered the loose ball and Chicago scored a touchdown on the issuing drive to go up 14-3.
Textbook peanut punch from @NBAxJay1 🥜🥊
📺: #CHIvsGB on FOX pic.twitter.com/ev8smFzAhO
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 5, 2025
The Bears would go on to beat the Packers 24-22, beating their rival for the first time in more than six years.
Jaylon Johnson did leave the game with a quad injury but will have plenty of time to recover going into the offseason.
#Bears DB Jaylon Johnson (Quad) is Doubtful to return. pic.twitter.com/bsOC4Nppon
— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) January 5, 2025
About Jaylon Johnson
Before his time in the NFL, Johnson played at the University of Utah from 2017-19.
During his time with the Utes, the Fresno, California native had 102 total tackles, 88 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, seven interceptions, and 28 pass breakups in 39 games played.
He was named First-team All-Pac 12 in 2018 and 2019.
Following his college career, Johnson was selected by the Bears with the No. 50 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
JAYLON JOHNSON PICK 6! @ChicagoBears got 3️⃣0️⃣ on the board!
📺: #LVvsCHI on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/iTs8HMaXlh pic.twitter.com/jU27pr9BvN— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2023
In 2022, Johnson had 35 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and seven pass breakups.
Last season, the former Ute had a breakout season in Chicago. He posted 36 total tackles, one forced fumble, four interceptions, and one pick-six.
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