Will Johnson’s story isn’t just about a young man finding an NFL home. It’s a testament to belief, preparation, and the power of speaking dreams into reality
It’s a reminder that the path to greatness often starts with a vision — even if that vision happens to be shared during a simple game of golf under the Arizona sun.
With Johnson, Harrison Jr., and a revamped defense leading the way, the Cardinals might just be the NFL’s next great story of resurrection.
And if they succeed, remember: it all started with a conversation, a dream, and a belief that it was supposed to happen this way.
The transformation from rivals to teammates is not always easy, but Marvin Harrison Jr. and Will Johnson are embracing the journey with open hearts and open minds.
Their story is a reminder that even in a sport built on fierce competition, respect, friendship, and teamwork are the ultimate victories. Together, they aim to leave the rivalry behind and build something special in Arizona.
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Table of Contents
The New Bond Between Marvin Harrison Jr. and Will Johnson
A Rivalry Forged in College Football
In the high-stakes world of college football, rivalries can define careers.1
For Marvin Harrison Jr., a standout wide receiver at Ohio State, and Will Johnson, a lockdown cornerback for Michigan, the clash between the Buckeyes and Wolverines was personal.
Each encounter between their two programs was fueled by decades of tradition, animosity, and passion, and Harrison and Johnson became central figures in those battles.
Facing off twice during their collegiate careers, Johnson and his Michigan teammates got the better of Harrison’s Buckeyes on both occasions.
These matchups were fierce, emotional, and emblematic of the intensity that defines “The Game” between Michigan and Ohio State.
A New Beginning in the NFL
However, the fierce rivalry of the past is just that—the past. In an unexpected and heartwarming twist, both players are now united under the banner of the Arizona Cardinals.
Marvin Harrison Jr., who was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, had already begun to establish himself as a future cornerstone of the Cardinals’ offense.
One year later, in the 2025 NFL Draft, Will Johnson heard his name called when the Cardinals selected him with the 47th overall pick.
The news of Johnson’s arrival sparked excitement within the Cardinals organization—and, surprisingly, from Harrison himself. The once-bitter rivals were now teammates, setting the stage for a fresh chapter of their football journeys.
An Instagram Story That Said It All
Shortly after Johnson was drafted, Marvin Harrison Jr. took to Instagram to post a story that perfectly captured the spirit of their new relationship.
Sharing a throwback photo of himself and Johnson lined up against each other during their college days, Harrison added a handshake emoji, signaling both respect and camaraderie.
There were no words needed. The simple gesture showed that whatever animosity had once existed between the two was gone. In its place was mutual admiration and a shared goal: to bring success to the Arizona Cardinals.
Will Johnson’s Journey: Triumph and Setback
Will Johnson’s path to the NFL was full of promise—and a few hurdles. During his three seasons at Michigan, Johnson proved to be one of the top defensive backs in college football.2
In 32 games, he recorded 68 total tackles, nine interceptions, and a host of crucial plays that helped Michigan capture the 2023 National Championship.
Projected by many as a first-round pick, Johnson’s draft stock took a hit due to concerns about his injury history.
Some NFL teams reportedly hesitated to invest a premium selection in a player with lingering health questions. As a result, Johnson fell to Day 2 of the draft—a surprising development for a player of his talent.
Nonetheless, the Cardinals saw enough in Johnson to make him their choice in the second round. The franchise believes that his upside, if healthy, is enormous.
Episode 1 “Pre-Draft” out now! https://t.co/rof2QaZf30 pic.twitter.com/8jNfR9Mm1g
— Wílł Jøhnšoñ (@Willj1228) March 28, 2025
A Dream Reunion in the Desert
For both Harrison and Johnson, the idea of becoming teammates would have once seemed unimaginable. Yet, the Cardinals have managed to create a reunion that offers tremendous upside.
Arizona now boasts a young wide receiver–cornerback duo with a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, thanks to their college battles.
Their familiarity could benefit both players as they adjust to life in the NFL. Having already competed at a high level against one another, Harrison and Johnson can push each other in practice, helping to accelerate their development and strengthen the Cardinals’ overall roster.
Harrison’s Leadership Role
Drafted a year earlier, Marvin Harrison Jr. has quickly emerged as a leader among Arizona’s young core. Known for his professionalism, quiet confidence, and relentless work ethic, Harrison represents the type of player every franchise hopes to build around.
His welcoming gesture toward Johnson is a reflection of that leadership. By embracing his former rival, Harrison sent a message not only to Johnson but to the entire locker room: Winning requires unity, not grudges.
As Harrison continues to grow into his role as a leader, his relationship with Johnson could set the tone for the Cardinals’ culture moving forward.
Will Johnson’s Fresh Start
For Will Johnson, joining the Cardinals is a chance at a clean slate.3
After the disappointment of falling in the draft, he enters a situation where he can learn, develop, and contribute without the heavy pressure that often falls on first-round picks.
More importantly, Johnson gets to work alongside players like Harrison, who will challenge him every day in practice.
Iron sharpens iron, and in Arizona, Johnson has the opportunity to sharpen his skills against one of the league’s most promising young receivers.
If he can stay healthy and capitalize on his immense talent, Johnson could prove to be one of the steals of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Arizona’s Youth Movement
The reunion of Harrison and Johnson is part of a broader youth movement in Arizona. The Cardinals, under new leadership, are building a roster centered around young, hungry, high-character players.
By bringing together former rivals who respect each other’s games, the Cardinals are cultivating a competitive but collaborative environment.
This approach could pay major dividends in the years to come as Arizona looks to rise in a highly competitive NFC West division.
Lessons from the Rivalry
Interestingly, Harrison and Johnson’s history as rivals may actually be their greatest asset as teammates.
Having battled each other at the highest level of college football, they understand what it means to prepare meticulously, compete fiercely, and maintain focus under immense pressure.
Those experiences will now serve them well as they join forces. Instead of trying to outdo one another, they will channel their competitive fire into helping the Cardinals reach new heights.
A Story of Growth and Brotherhood
- In many ways, the story of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Will Johnson is a testament to growth, maturity, and brotherhood.
- Rivalries can be fierce, but at the end of the day, respect often wins out.
- Both players have navigated their paths with grace, proving that it’s possible to leave the past behind in pursuit of a shared dream.
- As they embark on this new chapter together, their bond could become one of the most intriguing storylines to watch in Arizona.
- While nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, the Cardinals have reason to be optimistic about the futures of Harrison and Johnson.
- If both players stay healthy and continue to develop, they could become cornerstones on opposite sides of the ball for years to come.
- The battles that once defined them are now a thing of the past. What lies ahead is a future built on trust, hard work, and a shared desire to bring glory to the desert.
Will Johnson Spoke His Draft Destination into Existence
The 2025 NFL Draft produced countless memorable moments, but few stories were as poetic as Will Johnson’s journey to the Arizona Cardinals.
The former Michigan Wolverines star revealed during his post-draft press conference that he had manifested his landing spot in an unforgettable conversation with future teammate Marvin Harrison Jr.
A Vision Born on the Golf Course
Sometimes, fate works in mysterious ways. For Johnson, it all began with a casual round of golf in Arizona alongside Marvin Harrison Jr., the Ohio State legend and fellow NFL Draft prospect.
As they played through the desert courses, the two young stars dreamt about their futures — and surprisingly, their paths aligned.
“It’s cool because when I was training in Arizona, me and him (Marvin Harrison Jr.) went golfing together and we were talking about this moment happening,” Johnson said. “It’s cool that it actually happened, and we get to compete against each other every day and build that relationship.”
This wasn’t just casual banter. It was a genuine conversation rooted in mutual respect and a shared understanding of what each could bring to the table.
Johnson knew the Cardinals were in desperate need of a defensive playmaker. Harrison Jr. knew the offense was getting stronger but that reinforcements on the other side of the ball were crucial. The stars, quite literally, were beginning to align.
Will Johnson: Paid Promotion
Will Johnson teamed up with one of the biggest car brand Toyota USA in a paid promotion.
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Manifestation Meets Opportunity
Johnson’s belief wasn’t just a fleeting comment during a light-hearted round of golf — it was the beginning of a deeper manifestation.
He had already been training in Arizona, feeling a natural connection to the state, its culture, and the Cardinals’ environment.
“He was saying they needed a defensive guy and I had been out there in Arizona. I was saying I’d love to be there,” Johnson explained. “So, I mean, it happened the way it was supposed to be.”
This ability to speak a future into existence reflects not just luck, but a larger mentality Johnson carries — a belief in creating one’s own destiny.
It’s a mindset that will serve him well as he transitions into the NFL, where confidence, preparation, and self-assurance often separate the good from the great.
Arizona’s Defensive Overhaul
While Will Johnson’s selection is a highlight, it’s part of a broader strategic push by the Cardinals to reshape their defense.
Arizona began their draft by addressing the trenches, selecting dominant defensive tackle Walter Nolen in the first round. The move signaled the Cardinals’ clear intention: build from the inside out.
In the third round, they added more firepower by drafting Jordan Burch, the explosive outside linebacker from Oregon.
With Johnson joining the fold shortly after, Arizona is putting together a young, aggressive core on defense that could define their future for years to come.
The team still has three picks remaining on Day 3, leaving fans excited about the additional talent that could bolster this new era.
Will Johnson’s Skillset: Perfect Fit for Arizona
Will Johnson isn’t just a feel-good story — he’s a phenomenal football player with a skill set tailor-made for the NFL.
At Michigan, he established himself as a true shutdown corner, combining elite size (6-foot-2, 202 pounds), physicality, and instincts that are rare even among top prospects.
He thrives in press coverage, using his long arms to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. His ball skills, honed over countless hours of work, allow him to turn potential receptions into game-changing turnovers.
Moreover, his football IQ ensures he’s almost always in the right position, an invaluable trait against NFL-caliber competition.
Arizona, needing a playmaker who can both shut down opposing WR1s and bring a swagger to their defense, found exactly what they needed in Johnson.
A Future Built on Grit and Belief
The Cardinals are no strangers to adversity. After years of inconsistent play, multiple coaching changes, and frustrating draft misses, the franchise appears determined to turn a new page.
Players like Johnson — and the mindset he brings — are pivotal to that effort.
Believing you belong is step one. Backing it up with performance is step two. Johnson seems poised to do both.
His story — from speaking his NFL dream into existence with Harrison Jr. on a golf course to seeing it materialize on draft night — embodies a broader truth: success is often a combination of preparation, opportunity, and belief.
What’s Next for the Cardinals?
As Day 3 of the draft unfolds, Arizona still holds several picks that could add further depth and talent. Positions like offensive line, running back, and safety could still be addressed.
However, no matter what happens next, the Cardinals have already secured a potential cornerstone for their defense in Johnson. Paired with a rebuilt defensive front, Arizona’s future is suddenly looking much brighter.
Training camp will be the first real opportunity for fans to see the new-look Cardinals in action.
Early battles between Johnson and Harrison Jr. during practice will be must-watch events, offering glimpses of a fiercely competitive environment brewing in the desert.
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