INDEPENDENCE, Kan. - The New York Jets (NFL) have picked up the fifth year option for former Independence Football player Jermaine Johnson, putting him in line to make $13.4 million this upcoming football season. 

Johnson, who starred at Independence CC for two years in 2017 and 2018, eventually became a first round draft pick of the Jets in 2022, being selected 26th overall in the NFL draft. 

After his time at Independence, Johnson transferred to the University of Georgia, before ultimately landing at Florida State University. As a Seminole, Johnson won ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, making him the first player ever to win the award in their first season in the conference.

Johnson was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl in 2023, before a season ending injury sidelined him for the majority of the 2024 season. In his Pro Bowl season, Johnson registered 7.5 sacks, good for second best on the team. 

During his time at Indy, Johnson was a dominant force on the defensive side. In two years he amassed 96 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. 

Johnson was teammates with current Indy assistant football coach Chance Main in 2018.

“Jermaine was a great teammate and still is a great friend. We worked out hard together on the field and in the weight room.” said Main. “I am happy for all of his success thus far, and am excited to see where he goes in the years to come.”