Former New York Jets running back Ty Johnson has claimed that the team released him just one day after he had undergone surgery...which they had recommended.
The 25-year-old running back had been with the Jets for the last three seasons following a year with the Detroit Lions, after signing a one-year extension to remain with the team in 2023.
But after just a few weeks into that extension, the Jets announced that they'd be waiving Johnson with a 'non-football injury' designation. No further explanation was given on why the talented back was released from the team, with the player now giving his version of events.
Johnson claimed that while training to prepare himself for upcoming camps with the team, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle. He then alleges the team told him to go and get surgery, recommended by a doctor with the Jets, before he was cut just one day later.
In a video posted to social media, Johnson said: "I’ve had some dark, dark days, man. I went to New York and told them about the injury.
"I flew out the next day to get surgery. I came back happy that I got it done, even though I didn’t want to get it done. That following Wednesday, you’re outta there. I was like... damn."
Johnson's contract was worth $1.2 million, but had just $250,000 in guarantees before being released, saving the team around $1 million in cap space.
Jets star cornerback DJ Reed has seemingly criticised the team himself, after the exact same situation happened to him when he played for the San Francisco 49ers.
He tweeted: "Off site injuries while working out should have some type of protection from the team. Same thing happened to me in San Fran."
Seattle Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs also tweeted: "Ty good people too man! Crazy business and heartless so don’t blame us when we about our business and looking out for ourselves".
