Broncos inside linebacker Alexander Johnson got his first start of the season last week and totaled eight tackles, broke up two passes and grabbed an interception. He followed up that performance on Sunday by totaling nine tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Johnson celebrated his big performance with a dinosaur sack dance. After a 16-0 win over the Titans, the linebacker was asked about the celebration and his unique nickname, “Dino.”
“It’s just like a personality, I guess,” Johnson said. “I got it from one of my guys back from college and it’s just transformed. I do it with kids when I’m playing with kids, and then I can relate it to on the football field, as I’m going to go eat and going to go hunt.
“I came up with a little thing. Guys are calling themselves ‘G.O.A.T.’ [Greatest Of All Time] and stuff like that. I’m the dinosaur, and dinosaurs eat the goat, so I’m out there trying to ball out and have fun with it. It seems like it’s working.”
It’s working, indeed!
Johnson was just a fill-in starter two weeks ago because Josey Jewell was sidelined with an injury. After back-to-back strong performances, though, Johnson will start again against the Chiefs on Thursday.
Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller hasn’t been surprised by his teammate’s recent rise to prominence.
“It’s great,” Miller said on Sunday. “He’s been killing it. He’s been killing it since he stepped in, and I’m happy for him. I’m not surprised as he does all that stuff in practice.
“He’s a great guy off the football field. We box in the offseason, we’ve done so much stuff. He’s been talking about it and meditating and waiting for his shot. It’s definitely inspiring.”
“Dino” will look to make more big plays against Kansas City in Week 7.
