Steven Johnson Looking to Increase Role With Denver Broncos

Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Steven Johnson (53) picks off a deflection caused by defensive back Jerome Murphy (45) on Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette (83) in the fourth quarter of a preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Seahawks 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

There’s been so much talk about the Broncos and their linebacker position this year between the emergence of Brandon Marshall, the injury to Danny Trevathan, the return of Von Miller, and the drafting of Corey Nelson and Lamin Barrow.

Not to mention, the breakout and return of Lerentee McCray.

Naturally with so many storylines, it’s easy for a guy like Steven Johnson, a former undrafted free agent out of Kansas who emerged last season as one of the team’s best special teams players, to get lost in the fray.

Johnson picked off a tipped pass from Jordan Sullen in the Broncos vs. Seahawks first preseason game, but more importantly, he led the team last season in special teams tackles. He also had a punt blocked and returned for a touchdown.

You’d like to think for a guy like that, there would be a spot carved out on the roster with his name on it, but that might not necessarily be the case. Johnson knows he’s going to have to work hard, just like he did the day he came in as an undrafted free agent, in order to make the roster again this year in a pretty deep group of young ‘backers.

Johnson spoke in a phenomenal interview with friend of PO Brandon Spano, and talked about his role in the defense, his upbringing, his relationship with former Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard, and much more. It’s a must-listen.

So what’s the next step for Steven Johnson? He says since he was young, he wants to be one of the great linebackers in the NFL — Hall of Fame caliber, even. But it starts with making the team. As good as he was last season on special teams, he knows you have to go out and prove it everyday in front of the coaches.