Eagles Rookie Safety Retires After Suffering Groin Injury in Preseason Week 3 vs. Jets
The Philadelphia Eagles’ preseason game against the New York Jets carried more weight than the scoreboard suggested. What unfolded on the field wasn’t just about competition — it became the turning point in one rookie’s NFL journey.
Opportunities are often scarce for undrafted players, and every snap can determine a career. Philadelphia’s coaching staff rotated heavily in the secondary, giving young defensive backs a final audition before roster cuts reshaped the team’s outlook.
On a routine play, disaster struck. A rookie defensive back pulled up clutching his groin after breaking from coverage. Medical staff rushed to his side, and the energy at MetLife Stadium shifted instantly from excitement to concern.
“The NFL is a dream, but my body told me a different story. I gave it everything, but at some point health and peace have to come first,” he shared after the game ended.
That player was safety Brandon Johnson, who had joined the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in April 2025. Known as a feisty competitor at Oregon, Johnson was battling for a depth role in Philadelphia’s secondary rotation.
His preseason journey had shown flashes of persistence. Against Cincinnati in Week 1, he logged meaningful snaps despite recording no stats. In Week 2 against Cleveland, he posted one solo tackle, displaying determination even when buried on the depth chart.
The groin injury suffered in Week 3 proved devastating. Philadelphia placed Johnson on waivers shortly after the game, ending his preseason campaign. Faced with the physical toll, he chose retirement rather than an uphill battle through recovery.
Johnson’s decision underscores the unforgiving nature of the NFL. For undrafted players, each chance is fleeting, and one injury can close the door. His story leaves Eagles fans with a sobering reminder of the game’s brutal realities.
