TOLEDO, Ohio — Editor note: the above story is from December when the Toledo Rockets were playing in the Boca Raton Bowl.
On the NFL Draft's final day and final pick, the Los Angeles Rams selected the University of Toledo's Desjuan Johnson with the 259th pick of the draft.
The Rockets defensive tackle is this year's "Mr. Irrelevant," the name given to the player taken with the last pick in the draft.
Despite the somewhat rude nickname, Johnson is unlikely to be complaining about being picked.
"I feel very blessed to be taken in the draft by the Rams," said Johnson. "It didn't matter to me where I was drafted. I just left it in God's hands. I plan on putting my best foot forward and prove to everybody that I belong. I also feel very fortunate to be playing with one of favorite players, Aaron Donald. I plan on soaking up as much knowledge from him as I can. I'm lucky to be learning from him this early in my career."
Last season, Johnson helped lead Toledo to a Mid-American Conference championship and a bowl game victory.
He finished the year with 65 total tackles and 5.5 sacks. He also had an interception against Bowling Green.
The Detroit, Michigan native is the third Rockets player to be drafted since last year, joining Toledo native Tycen Anderson to the Bengals, and Samuel Womack to the 49ers.
Shortly after the conclusion of the draft, Desjuan's teammate, Dyontae Johnson, signed an undrafted free agent deal with the New York Giants.
"I'm excited to be joining the Giants," said Dyontae Johnson. "I had a lot of communications and a personal workout with them so I knew they were very interested. I had a good conversation with the position coach so I feel like I can definitely help them at linebacker."
Desjaun and Dyontae Johnson, both Detroit natives, were close on and off the field and now will get the chance to live out their NFL dreams.