When Ann Arbor bestowed the legendary No. 2 jersey upon former Michigan great Will Johnson, it was not a number—it was a mantle passed down from the all-time great Charles Woodson. The jersey bore the badge of excellence, toughness and mastery. Johnson adopted it to become a two-time All-American and one of the most revered corners in college football. But now, as he begins his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals, Johnson is forging a new identity—and it starts with a new bold number: 0.
A Bold Decision: Johnson Embraces No. 0 in the NFL
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Johnson will wear No. 0 for the Arizona Cardinals—a daring departure from his college days. While it may appear to be a cosmetic choice, there is power in the symbolism. The number 0, recently sanctioned in the NFL as of 2023, has emerged as a badge of swagger and individuality. It’s a declaration that a player is starting over, charting their own course, and taking on the challenge head-on.
For Johnson, this number is the beginning of a quest. No. 0 has been worn by players, and who want attention, who play with an attitude. It’s already made its way to notable defensive backs, including fellow Michigan graduate Mike Sainristil with the Commanders. Johnson’s decision to remain with the number is a subtle but powerful message: he’s willing to rebrand himself and prove the world wrong after falling in the 2025 NFL Draft.
A Steal in the Desert: Cardinals’ Draft Coup
What was considered a top-five pick for raw talent, Johnson’s draft stock fell due to injury concerns, especially to his knee. While squads passed him up during the first round, it was one of the bigger narratives on Day 1. Yet his slide was short-lived—Arizona jumped at No. 47 in the second round and made the pick-up of what ESPN’s Matt Miller called the “second-best pick of the whole draft.” For a team that needed to rebuild its secondary, the Cardinals might have gotten their shutdown cornerstone.
Miller had Johnson as his No. 7 overall prospect, 40 positions higher than he was drafted. That kind of value is not typical, especially for a guy who, when healthy, has Trevon Diggs-level ball skills and shutdown coverage ability. Johnson’s collegiate tape displayed elite traits—clean hips, recovery speed, and the ability to make plays. The Cardinals looked past the medical red flags and instead saw his potential in Jonathan Gannon’s defense.
Final Thoughts
Johnson is more than a number—but No. 0 fits the narrative perfectly. It’s the mark of a hungry player who’s bent on disproving doubters and reclaiming the top-shelf status he had prior to coming up short. Arizona acquired one of the finest corners in this draft class, and Johnson knows it. Now, with a fresh jersey and a fresh start, he’s set on making all those teams that passed him over regret it.
