Rufus Johnson determined to become Saints latest find (1 Viewer)

[Dan in Lafayette]

Rufus Johnson determined to become Saints latest find

By BRETT MARTEL (AP)

METAIRIE, La. - Rookie linebacker Rufus Johnson hopes his journey from Division II to the NFL in New Orleans is boosting his ailing father's morale.

Indeed, while many Saints were preparing to enjoy a weekend off following the final practice on minicamp on Thursday, Johnson planned a short flight home to Dallas and some quality time in the hospital room of his father, Rufus Sr.

"When I do get to talk to my dad, I got a feeling I keep my father strong," said Johnson, who declined to go into detail about his father's illness beyond saying it related to diabetes. "I'm the reason my father is still here."

More - StarNews

 

[Deacon Blues]

Thank you sir for the link

 

[Dan in Lafayette]

Thank you sir for the link

You're welcome. I thought it was a pretty good read about a young man we know little about. I hope his dad's problem is not too serious, but it does not sound good.

 

[ETWhoDat]

Sounds like an awesome dude.

 

[boutte]

Sounds like a good kid. Best of luck to him.

 

[MarkIngramfan16]

I hope he makes the cut he is beast

 

[saintly179]

After the draft n UFA pickups, I wondered why they chose to draft him over Chase Thomas. Beginning to understand why they did now. He may end up surprising

 

[JackDiesel]

He seems like one of those players that will only get better once the pads come on and after his performance during minicamp that's a scary thought. Don't think we'll be able to hide him on the PS if he keeps this up.

The big question then becomes do we keep 5 OLB's or is someone sent packing.

 

[MarkIngramfan16]

Good kid I think he will make the team because of his build and determination

 

[TruSaint]

just watched a 10 minute highlight of him and he is a beast, good bull rush and rip move and gets to the qb a lot, also very good vs the run and vs screens, very strong, athletic and a good tackler, see a ton of aldon smith in him.

 

[Boondock]

just watched a 10 minute highlight of him and he is a beast, good bull rush and rip move and gets to the qb a lot, also very good vs the run and vs screens, very strong, athletic and a good tackler, see a ton of aldon smith in him.

Ya, Ive watched several tape cut up's of him and the word that kept coming to my mind every snap that I saw him play was VIOLENT! This kids speed and hand use are EXTREMELY VIOLENT! He assaults the offensive linemen and the ball carrier with tenaciousness! We're rooting for you Rufus!

 

[keefresh2]

This is my beast.

 

[Zack Lee]

Love the kid and I also loved how Reiprish talked about him. Thanks for posting Dan.

 

[SaintJKA]

Nice read. Thanks. Sounds like a guy you really want to pull for.

On a side note, my great-grandfather's name was Rufus. They tell me he was a beast as well. LOL. Must be something in the name. ;-)

 

[El Caliente]

Dan, you have been doing some dynamite work with all of these articles. Keep it up good sir.

I hope Rufus comes in and turns into our Michael Strahan.