Jermaine Johnson has been through a lot lately. In 2023, he watched his teammate, Aaron Rodgers, limp off the field with a season-ending Achilles injury. It was a tough blow for the New York Jets. Fast forward to 2024, and heartbreak hit again. This time, it was Johnson himself.
The 2023 Pro Bowler went down in the third quarter against the Titans while rushing Will Levis, suffering what looked like a non-contact injury. Since then, he’s been grinding through a tough recovery, expecting to return for OTAs. But the hits keep coming. On top of battling back from injury, Johnson recently suffered the heartbreaking loss of someone close to him.
On Thursday, Jermaine Johnson opened up about his grief on X. He shared the painful news of losing his best friend. He said, “Had to put my best friend down today and I’m absolutely crushed… ngl I’ve never had to do it and seen the way people would react and would think “no way it will be THAT bad.” Well… it is that bad. I loved him and he loved me. Anyway prayers my way and his way for his safe deliverance into heaven. Thank yall.”
Had to put my best friend down today and I’m absolutely crushed… ngl I’ve never had to do it and seen the way people would react and would think “no way it will be THAT bad.” Well… it is that bad. I loved him and he loved me. Anyway prayers my way and his way for his safe…
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) April 17, 2025
This was the first time in Johnson’s life that he had to make such a gut-wrenching decision. It overwhelmed him more than he ever imagined. He didn’t go into all the details, but the pain in his words said it all. This wasn’t just any loss; it left a deep, raw hole in his heart. Over on Instagram, Johnson shared even more memories. He posted a photo of himself lying his head on his dog’s stomach, writing, “I had to say goodbye to my best friend today and it absolutely hurts worse than I could’ve imagined. He was there for me in damn near every chapter of my adult life. I love you 3000 buddy (black heart emoji).” But he didn’t stop there.
Johnson also posted a throwback video of his pup as a little ball of energy, running around the house and playing. In another story, you could hear the pain in his voice as he said, “He really was a good boy (black heart emoji).” No doubt, it’s a hard phase for him. He even poured out more of his heart on social media, adding, “I ain’t gon lie my heart so cold after ts… I ain’t ever gon judge anyone else for how they feel after losing their dog. I never thought it would hurt that bad. I’m one hair follicle away from crashing out. If you have a dog then take em for a walk or let them sleep in the bed tonight or let them up on the couch if you don’t for the one time. Cuz when they gone, they gone and it’s not gon hit until that doorbell ring and it’s dead silent.”
Indeed, dogs have a way of becoming family, their loyalty unmatched. For Jermaine Johnson, his dog wasn’t just a pet – he was his true best friend. And while nothing can fill that void, it’s clear he’s got fans and friends standing strong with him through this tough time.
Jermaine Johnson, fans are here for you!
After Jermaine Johnson shared his heartbreaking loss, the love poured in from fans. One wrote, “Sorry man.. RIP (praying emoji),” while another added, “It is truly a horrible experience. Sending hugs your way.” The outpouring didn’t stop there. Someone else simply said, “Our condolences,” showing how much they cared.
One fan, who had also gone through the same heartbreak, related to the incident. They wrote, “Had to do the same last month. Had him for 18 years. I feel ya man. Hang in there.” Another, speaking for the entire Jets nation, offered, “Jets nation here for whatever you need my g!”
The messages kept coming. “So sorry for your loss Jermaine. My prayers go out to you and your family (red heart and praying emojis),” as one fan wrote. Similarly, others too chimed in supporting the man in his rough patch, as one added, “So sorry pal. Sending prayers.”
All those emotional words must have meant the world to the 26-year-old. That’s why later, Jermaine Johnson thanked everyone, posting, “Thank you all who have reached out because it really has helped me get through today. I love yall…” Stay strong, Jermaine! You’ve got a whole army behind you.
The post “RIP”: NFL World Mourns Heartbreaking Personal Loss of Injured New York Jets Superstar Jermaine Johnson appeared first on EssentiallySports.