Former Panthers WR reveals why he infamously refused to enter a game last season
Former Carolina Panther Diontae Johnson might be a fair-weather wideout.
Johnson, now a member of the Cleveland Browns, appeared on a recent episode of the Sports & Suits podcast. He was asked about his short time with the Panthers, who he still holds in high regard.
"I love Carolina," Johnson stated. "Coaches, Coach [Dave] Canales there . . . just how he bringing the energy there every day, you wanna practice for him. We wasn't, obviously, winning, and I came from an environment where I'm used to winning. So I wasn't kinda used to it. Stuff kinda went left, and then it was always one thing after the next. But I still got a good relationship with Coach Canales. So, whenever he call me, I make sure I pick up."
The Panthers acquired Johnson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the start of the 2024 league year. Carolina, however, shipped the former Pro Bowler back out just eight weeks into the season—sending him to the Baltimore Ravens in late October.
That's where he'd infamously refuse to enter the team's Week 13 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, a move that eventually got him suspended and released. Johnson explained the reasoning behind his decision.
"I wasn't getting into no run plays, no passing plays, no nothing. It was cold," he said. "End of the third, going into the fourth—they were like, 'Tae, we need you.' I'm like, 'Nah, I don't think it's a good idea for me.' 'Cause I was thinking my legs [were ice-cold] . . . I didn't wanna go out there and put bad stuff on film."
Johnson would then be picked up by the Houston Texans ahead of their wild-card round matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. But after he reportedly "made a scene" at his locker following the win, the veteran receiver was once again let go.
But hey—at least he's now somewhere that isn't too cold during the later seasons. Oh, wait . . .
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