Emmett Johnson hasn't yet played a regular-season snap for the Kansas City Chiefs, but the fifth-round pick out of Nebraska has already learned the way to fans' hearts.
Johnson has been documenting his introduction to Kansas City via his YouTube channel with a new series entitled "Exploring KC." The last three episodes are a BBQ tour through some of the most recommended restaurants to the running back. So far, the series is a fun and engaging look at the team's newest running back, and we're pretty sure he's enjoying the great food.
"I want to go out in the community and do some things and try out different food places," said Johnson after his first stop. "It's bigger than just football."
He opened the series at Q39, the one he says topped the fan recommendation list from his pre-draft interview. Johnson ordered a little of everything—ribs, brisket, burnt ends, smoked chicken, fries, street corn—and came away genuinely impressed, especially with the ribs. "Those might have been like the best ribs I've had. No exaggeration. I've had a lot of ribs... It's probably top 3 ribs I've ever had."
The second episode took Johnson to The Peanut, where he was ready to be tough for the sake of one of his favorite foods. "I love wings," he said, "so I'm gonna grade it really, really hard." The buffalo sauce won him over. He gave the wings a 9 and proclaimed, "This might be my new wing spot."
Then came Joe's in the third episode. Johnson had tried to get there on Memorial Day for episode two, only to find it closed. "Joe's fans out there, don't worry, I'll be there soon," he told his subscribers. He kept that promise and asked two friends from Lincoln, where he went to college, to join him and share the experience.
Johnson tried the Z-Man sandwich, the ribs, and the burnt ends and the latter stopped him cold. "9.5," he said. "That's dang near perfect. The burnt ends... this is the best thing I've tasted here so far, for sure." By the end, Johnson was laughing that he needed to cut himself off: "You can be full and you will still be able to eat burnt ends."
Not only is Johnson taking in the flavors of Kansas City but he's also making sure to ingratiate himself into the area's fandoms as well. He just attended his first KC Current game on the same day of his visit to Joe's. "Fun environment," he said. "Great opportunity to support women's sports." He mentioned he'd be back for more.
Given his tremendous production at Nebraska, where he racked up 1,821 yards and 15 touchdowns from scrimmage in 2025, Johnson's going to have no problem making fans on the field when the season rolls around. But he's already doing the work to build legitimate good will from fans. Check out more at Johnson's YouTube channel here.
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