Johnson was a fundamental piece in Clemson’s 2016 National Championship run. Coming into the season there were plenty of questions about the Tigers’ talent in the secondary. Johnson, having never started prior to that season was confident in Clemson’s ability to keep the train rolling.
Throughout the season, he proved that his confidence was well warranted as Clemson was one of the best passing defenses in the country in 2016, allowing just 181.9 yards per game through the air.
In an email to NJ Advanced Media, Johnson’s agent stated the following regarding his retirement:
This was not an easy decision for him to make, but it is the right decision for him.