Every year, the NFL draft serves as a showcase dedicated to the fulfillment of lifelong dreams of playing in the NFL. But, in the case of Cardinals rookie Paris Johnson Jr., the night almost became one for the books for a reason that nearly caused him to miss his big moment.
Arizona shared a tweet Monday night featuring a behind-the-scenes video of Johnson’s hilarious retelling of the moments leading up to his selection at pick No. 6. After scenes of the former Ohio State standout’s post-selection celebration briefly flashed on-screen, the offensive lineman dropped a doozy of an admission to begin his story.
“I literally went to the bathroom,” Johnson said as he walked down a hallway inside Union Station Kansas City, the site of this year’s draft.
Johnson then revealed he decided to take a bathroom break because he knew he wasn’t going to be selected by the Panthers, Texans, Colts or Seahawks—the owners of the first five picks.
As he made his way back, Johnson said he began talking to one of his guests, former Ohio State O-line coach Greg Studrawa, before his mom told him she heard his phone ring. It was at that moment, Johnson said, things quickly came back to reality, as he soon learned the life-changing news.
“I’m glad I came out from the bathroom on time,” Johnson said before laughing.
While the Cardinals likely would’ve excused Johnson’s late arrival, the first-round O-lineman likely would’ve been flushed with something other than excitement if he missed the call. In all, the story made for quite an introduction to the next level for Johnson, whom the Cardinals hope has a similarly quick get off time on the field as he showed on his trip to the men’s room.
when you gotta go… you gotta go.@ParisJohnsonJr almost missed getting drafted because he was going to the bathroom… pic.twitter.com/c55vLJkv2U
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) June 6, 2023
