Bombers get MVP Johnson back in fold

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This article was published 13/01/2010 (6053 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One thing the new GM of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers won’t have to worry about is replacing all-star cornerback Jovon Johnson.

Johnson, who was eligible for free agency on Feb. 16, signed a new deal with the Bombers on Tuesday.

And if there was any question about Johnson’s confidence and his goals for this season, he erased them with the announcement of a new two-year plus an option contract.

"I want to do more," said the 26-year-old Johnson, who established himself as an elite kick returner while earning all-star honours at corner. "I won’t accept what happened last year. I won’t allow it. If that means I have to play quarterback, so be it. I can play quarterback. I played it all my life. One thing I can tell you, with me at quarterback, I’d run the ball."

Johnson, who was Winnipeg’s Most Outstanding Player nominee this past season, is only half kidding. When there were concerns last season that he was getting worn out returning too many kicks and having to play every down on defence, Johnson chafed.

"I fully expect to be the primary returner when I get back this year. And playing corner is a given," said Johnson. "I still feel bitter about not getting that special teams player of the year award. If I can have a full year returning kicks — I can have a better chance."

Johnson had 75 defensive tackles and six interceptions. He returned an interception for a touchdown, a missed field goal for a major as well as a punt for a touchdown.

Bombers’ interim vice-president of football operations Ross Hodgkinson was pleased to get Johnson back in the fold.

"Jovon was stellar for us last season, hence the Most Outstanding Player award. He is a real shutdown guy on the corner, and with his ability to return kicks, this was a guy we simply could not let get away. We are very excited to return Jovon to our lineup in 2010 and beyond," said Hodgkinson.

Johnson became an electric player in this third year in the CFL. He was a favourite of coach Mike Kelly’s and flourished.

"I think he had the best intentions but it didn’t work out for him. When he was put in jail, that was really the end. No one wants a coach with that lifestyle," said Johnson.

The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder attracted some interest from the NFL.

"There was some attention but not what I wanted. None of the teams wanted to come halfway and meet me with what I wanted," explained Johnson. "I wanted some up front money. I’ve been there and done that and didn’t want to go down there and just be a training camp body."

Johnson believes the Blue Bombers are close to having a playoff season.

"We have lots of the parts on defence. And I wouldn’t say we don’t have a quarterback. You can’t blame all of last year on (Michael) Bishop," said Johnson. "He played well at times and others he didn’t. I hope he comes back is ready to go at camp and gets a real chance."

The Bombers have now re-signed Johnson and place kicker Alexis Serna, deemed their priority off-season moves.

The Bombers did lose a player Tuesday when they learned import linebacker Derrick Doggett had signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Doggett was used mostly as a special teams player last season and 28 special teams tackles to rank fourth in the league. Doggett also had nine defensive tackles, one interception and one forced fumble in 15 games.

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca