Emmett Johnson is proving even his biggest believers underestimated him

For years, it has felt like there has been a running back flirtation that the Chiefs have had either through the draft or by signing someone as an undrafted free agent. From Darwin Thompson to Deneric Prince to Brashard Smith, every summer it feels like there is a running back Chiefs Kingdom has expectations for who ultimately never lives up to them.

When the Chiefs selected Emmett Johnson in the fifth round, the more-than-likely outcome was that he would become a player like Darwin Thompson, a fringe roster piece who rarely sees the field, especially with an elite running back ahead of him in Kenneth Walker.

Instead, Emmett Johnson came in behind three veterans (Walker, Demercado, and Smith) and quickly took over their roles, going so far as to have the Chiefs waive Emari Demercado, their most experienced pass protector, and hold Brashard Smith to 0 offensive snaps despite making his rookie debut. For some Chiefs fans, Johnson has been a novel revelation. For myself, this has been a drum I've been pounding for well over a year.

As a self-identified Nebraska fan, I will admit my bias toward Johnson started my interest in him. However, his performance in 2025 made it easy to support him as a draft prospect. Little did I know, as I filed into Arrowhead Stadium to watch him face off against Cyrus Allen's Cincinnati team in front of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, that this would only be the start of Emmett Johnson's career in Kansas City.

Every year, I write my favorite article, "Price's Picks," highlighting my favorite draft prospects from the current class. Johnson was an easy addition to this list because of his profile and fit. In April, I wrote:

"One of the most productive backs in this class and has some of the best passing-game work too. Johnson is the only FBS player to average more than 150 scrimmage yards per game. He led the Big Ten with 1,451 rushing yards and became the first running back in Nebraska history to record 100-plus yards both rushing and receiving in the same game...Emmett Johnson is an ideal part-time back but could even take a starting job in the league. His shifty cuts, vision, and tackle-breaking (he led the FBS in missed tackles forced) make him dangerous. Johnson will be a productive NFL back. I feel confident about that"

While I certainly was high on Johnson's overall impact in the league, something even I underestimated was his landing spot and football character. Landing in Kansas City to be coached by Eric Bieniemy and DeMarco Murray was a massive blessing for him. Add in having an established veteran in Walker, who receives rave reviews for his work ethic, and Johnson landed in a spot with great infrastructure and opportunity.

Johnson graduated as an Academic All-Big Ten selection with a media degree, and you can see that in the way he carries himself in the media. He even went as far as asking Kimmi Chex an interview question on the sideline of a preseason game. He's endeared himself to Chiefs fans by doing a YouTube series traveling around to the top BBQ restaurants in Kansas City and sampling the food of the city. Johnson has endeared himself to coaches not just because of what he does with the ball in his hands, but because of what he does without it.

Through two weeks, Walker has set the world on fire, showcasing that he has what it takes to be a true bell-cow back. However, it's becoming clear that the Chiefs have much bigger plans this season than just winning games in September. Johnson has a chance to play an even bigger role in the Chiefs' season than he already has. Keeping Walker fresh could be a big part of how far the Chiefs go in the playoffs.

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