Joe Mixon spent seven seasons in the AFC North battling the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While he never was on the same field as him, the former Cincinnati Bengals running back got an up-close look at Diontae Johnson’s potential in the passing game.
Now, as teammates with the Houston Texans, Mixon is ready for the fans to see what Johnson can do when given space and a clear path to the end zone.
“I’m going to give y’all a treat: Diontae Johnson, he’s gonna look real good out there for us,” Mixon said Thursday. “Incorporating him into the offense, I think that was major. I’ve played against him for years. I’ve obviously respected him as a football player. For him to come in and us be able to uplift him, because he was struggling this year going from place to place and figuring out where he stands.”
Acquired off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson is the hopeful missing link to the passing attack behind Nico Collins. Houston needs a constant secondary weapon with Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs sidelined with season-ending injuries.
#Texans running back Joe Mixon said people are ‘in for a treat’ with addition of wide receiver Diontae Johnson @Juiceup__3 @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/HkiaDEOs2i
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 2, 2025
Johnson, who will play for his fourth team in 12 months on Sunday when the Texans take on the Tennessee Titans, just wants a fresh start after an unsettling end in Baltimore.
“He came in here ready to grind, ready to work. We love that as a Texans organization, as a team,” Mixon said of the 2021 Pro Bowler. “I love that a guy will give his all and do everything the right way.
“In terms of going into the postseason, you can never take that for granted.”
The Texans (9-7) were willing to take a risk on Johnson, given their need at receiver. When in a groove, the former third-round pick has the upside of a 1,000-yard playmaker and leading receiver.
Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik praised Johnson’s ability to separate and win as a route-runner. That was evident during his time in Carolina, where he averaged 11.9 yards per route and totaled 30 catches in seven games.
That’s the version Houston hopes to have on Sunday and in the postseason. Johnson knows even in a limited time with the team, he can be that same separator.
New #Texans wide receiver Diontae Johnson practices Monday for first time with team @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/nu5G3B1XCL
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 30, 2024
“I bring a lot of value, just my ability to get open and create space,” Johnson said. “And just my YAC ability after I catch the ball and add another weapon to the rest of the guys here, just being another weapon and making the offense that much better.”
Kickoff from Nissan Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.