Foxborough – Just 12 hours after a playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, a cold decision was made in Foxborough. The New England Patriots were forced to part ways with veteran running back D’Ernest Johnson to clear a spot on the 53-man roster for cornerback Alex Austin, who was activated off Injured Reserve. It was a familiar strategic move in the NFL — but still one that was enough to quiet the locker room and leave Patriots fans with heavy hearts.
Johnson appeared in seven games this season, carrying the ball 13 times for 25 yards, with most of his contributions coming on special teams. Those numbers don’t make headlines or highlight reels, but for the Patriots, Johnson was the type of player the coaching staff trusted: on time, in his role, ready to do whatever the team needed. He never complained about limited opportunities or demanded a bigger role — he simply worked.
At an age past his prime years, D’Ernest Johnson understands his place in the NFL. He once broke out when given an opportunity, once carried the backfield through difficult stretches, and now accepts being a small part of a much larger machine. This season in New England, Johnson wasn’t an offensive focal point, but he was a steady piece, helping the Patriots rotate the roster and maintain tactical discipline.
Just hours after being cut, Johnson broke his silence with a message that deeply moved the Patriots community. “I never thought I would leave this way. I love this place, I love this locker room, and I still believe I’m not finished in New England,” he shared. “If there’s a chance to come back — even just on the practice squad — I’m ready. I just want to keep wearing a Patriots uniform and wait for my name to be called one more time.”
For the Patriots, cutting D’Ernest Johnson does not necessarily mean a permanent goodbye. The team hopes he will clear waivers so they can re-sign him to the practice squad — where Johnson could still be elevated for game day if needed. In a brutal playoff season, stories like this remind the NFL that behind the strategy, the roster moves, and the numbers, there are always players who fight not for the spotlight — but for belief and love for the uniform they wear.
