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Stevie Johnson News & Rumors

Stevie Johnson to have minor surgery
April 30
Buffalo News
 
"Bills receiver Stevie Johnson will wake up Monday in Philadelphia, where he's scheduled to have surgery on his groin. Johnson tweeted that news himself tonight. His agent, C.J. Laboy, said in a text message to The News that it's "not a serious surgery" and has a "very brief" recovery time. Johnson was nagged nearly all of last season by the injury, but battled through it to become the team's first-ever receiver to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He did not miss a game."
Fitz pleased to have Stevie back
March 6
Buffalo News
 
"It took less than 30 minutes after Stevie Johnson signed his new contract for Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to express himself. Fitzpatrick sent Johnson a photo of the just-completed haircut Fitz's wife, Liza, had given him. Carved into the back of Fitzpatrick's scalp were the words, "HE'S BACK," and Fitzpatrick was sporting a modified mohawk cut down the middle of his head. "I think I'm going to wear it proudly today, because I'm on Cloud 9 right now, excited about Stevie being back," Fitzpatrick told reporters about an hour later via teleconference from his home in Arizona. "It's probably not the look that I will go into the season with or the look that you will see me with"
Bills opt to keep one of their own in re-signing Stevie
March 6
Buffalo News
 
"The Buffalo Bills think their signing of receiver Stevie Johnson is another signal they are emerging from their long, dark decade of frustration. By keeping their top passing target, they have a chance to build on an offense that is not far from being among the 10 best in the league. By retaining the player who was on the verge of hitting free agency, they departed from a history of letting their biggest unrestricted fish get away. Bills General Manager Buddy Nix acknowledged it Monday in announcing the signing of Johnson, who agreed to a five-year deal worth an average of $7.25 million."
Bills keep key cog by signing WR Johnson
March 5
Buffalo News
 
"The Buffalo Bills took a big first step toward having a good offseason today by re-signing receiver Stevie Johnson to a five-year contract extension. The deal keeps the Bills' top receiving weapon in the offense and gives the team a chance to improve an attack that ranked 14th in the NFL last season. The deal also allows the team to retain a player who arguably is the most recognizable player on the roster. Johnson, 25, got a deal that is worth a total of $36.25 million, according to a source close to negotiations. That's an average of $7.25 million a year. However, more important than the average for Johnson is the fact a big portion of it is guaranteed, and he gets a lot of the money in"
Source: Bills, Stevie Johnson close
March 5
ESPN.com
 
"The Buffalo Bills and wide receiver Stevie Johnson are on the verge of a five-year contract that is likely to be completed in the next 24 hours, according to a source familiar with the deal. The two sides spent much of Sunday negotiating and are aiming to wrap up the deal Monday, the source said. Last week, Johnson's agent, C.J. LaBoy, said he was "very optimistic" after describing talks as being "productive," in an email to The Associated Press."
Progress made in talks with Johnson
February 25
Buffalo News
 
"Maybe there's real hope for Stevie Johnson's return to the Buffalo Bills. The Bills made some progress in talks Friday with the agent for Johnson in their effort to reach an agreement on a new contract. "We had a very productive meeting," said Johnson's representative, C.J. LaBoy, after a session with Jim Overdorf, Bills senior vice president for football administration. "I'm very optimistic. I'm looking forward to continue talking." Johnson, who posted his second straight 1,000-yard receiving season in 2011, is due to hit the free-agent market March 13. The Bills have been in negotiations since before the start of the 2011 season in an effort to keep him in the fold. Football agents and"
No tag for Stevie Johnson
February 21
Buffalo News
 
"National Football League teams were allowed to use franchise tags on their prospective free agents on Monday, but the Buffalo Bills aren't expected to extend that offer to wide receiver Stevie Johnson. A league source told The Buffalo News that Johnson isn't expecting to receive the franchise tag from the Bills and despite swapping contract proposals recently the two sides are far apart on negotiations. The franchise tag option hasn't been discussed during negotiations with Johnson, the source told The News. Johnson's agent, C.J. LaBoy, was unavailable for comment."
Report: Bills, Stevie Johnson "far apart" in contract talks
February 20
Pro Football Talk
 
"We noted on Thursday that the Bills and receiver Stevie Johnson have exchanged contract proposals. But that may not have been the sign of progress that it initially appeared to be. The Associated Press quotes an unnamed person familiar with the contract talks as saying that the two sides are "far apart." They're scheduled to talk at the Scouting Combine, but if they're far apart now, there may not be enough time to get a deal done before the start of free agency on March 13."
Source: Bills, Johnson exchange proposals
February 18
Buffalo News
 
"The Buffalo Bills and representatives for Stevie Johnson have exchanged proposals and are expected to meet at next week's NFL Combine, a league source told The Buffalo News. The Bills submitted a proposal over a week ago and Johnson's agent, C.J. LaBoy, countered the team's offer on Monday, according to the source. There have been no further talks although the two sides are scheduled to meet next week in Indianapolis."
Source: Bills, Johnson exchange proposals
February 16
Buffalo News
 
"The Buffalo Bills and representatives for Stevie Johnson have exchanged proposals and are expected to meet at next week's NFL Combine, a league source told The Buffalo News. The Bills submitted a proposal over a week ago and Johnson's agent, C.J. LaBoy, countered the team's offer on Monday, according to the source. There have been no further talks although the two sides are scheduled to meet next week in Indianapolis."
Stevie's giveaway no contest
February 2
Buffalo News
 
"A week ago, Stevie Johnson came up with the idea of giving away two Super Bowl tickets on Twitter to provide a fan with a memorable experience. What he didn't anticipate was helping a young man and his family through a period of grieving. Johnson, the Buffalo Bills' free agent wide receiver, started the contest on Monday but ended the contest a day early after the outpouring of affection for the eventual winner: Mark Armstrong, a three-sport star for Clarence High School whose father, Bob, died suddenly last Sunday from a heart attack. "This shows how much of a heart Stevie has," Mark said. "This shows his compassion and how much he loves Buffalo. Even if he doesn't return next year this"
Stevie Johnson wants Bills to bid
February 2
Buffalo News
 
"Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson said Wednesday that while he hopes the team makes him a suitable offer, he views his pending free agency as a good option. "Of course I'm hoping Buffalo will step up," said Johnson, who will officially become a free agent on March 13. "But if not and I hit the market in free agency, then Buffalo is in the picture no matter what. But to be in free agency to see what other teams are saying, that's also good." C.J. Laboy, Johnson's San Francisco-based agent, said he is optimistic as talks continue. "We all know where Stevie's heart is and that's a big reason why he's engrained himself in the Buffalo community as much as he has," Laboy said. "There's"
Johnson's status is Bills' top offseason topic
January 8
Buffalo News
 columnist Larry Felser
"For all but the NFL playoff teams, the fields are now barren and the only song to be sung is "Give us some men, some stout-hearted men." Basically, that's the name of the game from now until after the draft, because stoking up on talent is essential for scouts who wish to keep their jobs. Legendary player appraisers such as Bill Polian of Indianapolis and Jerry Angelo of the Chicago Bears already lost theirs. Meanwhile, A.J. Smith of San Diego and Andy Reid, who ran the entire 2011 talent and coaching circus for Philadelphia and not very well, barely fit into another working year. That's life in the NFL. It happens every year. What happens in Buffalo, at least since the postseason of 2000,"
Fitz campaigns for Johnson to return
January 3
Buffalo News
 
"Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick made an impassioned plea Monday to have receiver Stevie Johnson back next season. Coach Chan Gailey also said he wants Johnson back — but he was far less definitive on the matter. "If you look at what Steve has done with the two 1,000-yard seasons in a row, it's really the first two years Steve has played," Fitzpatrick said. "I feel like a lot of what I've done and a lot of the success I've had since I've been here has been because of him. And the success that he's had, a lot of it's been because of me. We have that relationship. "I don't know what's going to happen and obviously I'm not a decision maker. I'm not going to be involved in that"
After benching, Johnson sorry his antics hurt team
January 2
Buffalo News
 
"If Stevie Johnson played his final game with the Buffalo Bills, it was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Johnson's end-zone frolicking got him in trouble once again, only this time it earned him a sideline view of the Bills' 49-21 loss to the New England Patriots. After scoring on an 18-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick, Johnson lifted his jersey to display a T-shirt that read "Happy New Year." He was flagged for a 15-yard unsportsman-like conduct penalty. When Johnson returned to the Bills' sideline, coach Chan Gailey told him he was out for the game. "I didn't know it was going to draw a penalty," Johnson said. "At the end of the day what I did is what I did. I was trying to bring it in"
Stevie thinks he'll be back
December 29
Buffalo News
 
"Maybe it's wishful thinking on his part. Or maybe he's thinking too logically. But Bills receiver Stevie Johnson isn't thinking Sunday's season finale at New England will be his last in a Buffalo uniform. Johnson, whose contract is up at the end of February, admitted he considered the posibility that last week's game against Denver could have been his last at Ralph Wilson Stadium. "Since last week playing at The Ralph, I thought about it – walking on the field, walking off the field, looking around, looking at the crowd," Johnson said. "It was kind of crazy because it seemed like four years went by pretty fast, me playing only two years of it. Being in this city and how they adopted me, I"
If not Bills, someone will pay Johnson
December 19
Buffalo News
 columnist Bucky Gleason
"Stevie Johnson hopes the Bills will come around and see things his way, but he's not clinging to his phone, either. He's been in the NFL long enough to know how quickly the game becomes a cold, unsentimental business. He is well aware he could be playing his final game in Buffalo next week as a member of the Bills. Johnson is a good guy despite the childish antics over the years. He's also a good teammate, one who stood up for Ryan Fitzpatrick again Sunday after another debacle in Ralph Wilson Stadium. He's a darned good receiver, too, which is why he'll be in an enviable position as a free agent after the season. The Bills have two games remaining before another season reaches a quiet and"
Johnson scores, stays clear of controversy
December 5
Buffalo News
 
"After last week's touchdown celebration fiasco, Stevie Johnson not only toned down his antics but was quite the gentleman. After Johnson scored on a 2-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick in the fourth quarter, he calmly tip toed over to the referee, handed him the ball then gave a firm handshake to teammate Tashard Choice on the sidelines. No pretending to shoot himself in the leg, no falling to the ground for a jet crash landing and, most important, no fines. "Yeah, just hand it to the referee and handshakes, and go back to the sidelines and celebrate with my teammates," said Johnson after Sunday's 23-17 loss to Tennessee."
Letting Stevie walk would only add to Bills' dysfunction
December 4
Buffalo News
 columnist Jerry Sullivan
"I'll admit, in the immediate, emotional aftermath of last week's loss at the Jets, I was ready to lead the mob of Bills fans who were ready to run Stevie Johnson out of Buffalo. After yet another big drop and another national embarrassment, I had serious doubts whether Johnson was worth the trouble. I still have reservations. But given a week to reflect, I believe it's in the Bills' best interests to sign Johnson, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, to a long-term contract extension. Yes, he needs to grow up. He needs to hold onto the ball in the critical moments. But he's one of their best players, and you don't become a contender by letting those guys walk. This"
Could Stevie run an out route?
December 4
Buffalo News
 
"All the national attention Stevie Johnson attracted last week for his touchdown celebration penalty obscured one fact: He's getting a pot of gold before next season. Johnson has done enough this year to ensure that some team, if not the Bills, is going to pay big money for his services. The fact the Bills have yet to reach a deal on a contract extension with him means the Bills have missed any window they might have had to re-sign him for slightly under market value. The time to get him at under market value was August or September, or maybe even immediately after quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick signed his contract extension on Oct. 29. Early in the season, a player in his contract year still"
Bills' Stevie Johnson fined $10K
December 1
New York Post
 
"The NFL slapped Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson with a $10,000 fine for pretending to shoot himself in the right leg after scoring a touchdown in Sunday's game against the Jets, according to a source. Johnson drew a 15-yard penalty for the second-quarter celebration in which he mocked Jets receiver Plaxico Burress, who went to prison after accidentally shooting himself in a Manhattan night club three years ago. "He can pay for it," Burress said yesterday when told of the fine. "He can afford it." Johnson did not comment on the fine to reporters in Buffalo but said he had received a Federal Express envelope from the league."
Johnson takes lumps for end zone celebration
November 29
Buffalo News
 
"Stevie Johnson stood in front of his locker and faced the music Monday, hearing a song that's become all too familiar. Johnson has once again found himself at the center of a firestorm of controversy, this time for his touchdown celebration in Sunday's 28-24 loss to the New York Jets, in which he mocked Jets receiver Plaxico Burress, then proceeded to draw a 15-yard personal foul for going to the ground when he mimicked an airplane crashing. "When we start talking regret, I'm not one to regret much. But in this situation I do regret doing what I did," he said. "I was really expecting Plax to come back at me, making this like a rivalry thing, you know Bills-Jets, they talk, we come back at"
Plax forgives foe's antics; Pouha sees 9/11 slight
November 29
New York Post
 
"A day after the "fake shot heard 'round the world," the Jets still were reacting to Stevie Johnson's touchdown celebration that mocked Plaxico Burress on Sunday. Several players took issue with Johnson's antics, but Burress was not one of them. In a radio interview with 1050 ESPN, the Jets receiver said he and Johnson had spoken to each other and he did not have a problem with the Bills receiver pretending to shoot himself in the leg — a reference to Burress' nightclub shooting three years ago. Johnson apologized to Burress. "He's young, and he made a mistake," Burress said of the 25-year-old. "I don't look at him as any less than he was before. And I don't want everybody just to say he's"
Bills' Johnson, Pears limited but Gailey optimistic they will play
November 18
Buffalo News
 
"Wide receiver Stevie Johnson (shoulder) and right tackle Erik Pears (groin) returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session with injuries. Both were limited, but coach Chan Gailey said Pears took nearly every rep and while he couldn't say for certain if Johnson would be available to play Sunday in Miami, he felt optimistic because the receiver practiced Thursday."
Bills' Johnson, Wilson questionable against Miami
November 17
Buffalo News
 
"Buffalo Bills receiver Stevie Johnson and safety George Wilson were held out of practice Wednesday and appear questionable for Sunday's game against Miami. Johnson has a sore shoulder after a hard tackle late in the loss at Dallas on Sunday. Wilson had a "stinger" in his neck. "We'll see what happens when we make it to Sunday," Johnson said. "I'm definitely making progress. In the training room we've been doing a lot of treatment. Hopefully we get everything we need so once Friday or Saturday comes around I'm fully confident in going out there and using my arm and throwing people by and all that stuff for the game. ... I should be all right.""
Stevie Johnson ill but good to go for Sunday
November 12
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Bills coach Chan Gailey said receiver Stevie Johnson was held out of practice today simply because he was ill. Gailey said Johnson will be ready to start against the Cowboys in Dallas. Meanwhile, Andy Levitre worked with the starting unit at left tackle, and it looks like he will start vs. sackmaster DeMarcus Ware. Rookie Chris Hairston, held out the past couple games with an ankle injury, is healthy and ready to play."
With Fitzpatrick signed, Stevie Johnson may not be next up for new deal
October 30
Pro Football Talk
 
"Before the Bills worked out a long-term deal that makes quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick their quarterback of the present and future, it was believed that the Bills would turn to receiver Stevie Johnson as soon as Fitzpatrick agreed to terms, given that Johnson (like Fitzpatrick) will be a free agent after the season. A full 48 hours after Fitzpatrick's deal was done, the Bills have not yet renewed discussions with Johnson, per a source with knowledge of the situation. As we previously reported, the two sides traded offers before the regular-season began, but the talks quickly reached impasse and ended."
After Johnson's review: It was clearly a catch
October 3
Buffalo News
 
"A dramatic change in momentum in the fourth quarter left the Buffalo Bills a demoralized — and no longer undefeated — team. On third and 1 from their own 47, Ryan Fitzpatrick tossed a short pass to Stevie Johnson that was initially ruled complete. Back judge Dino Paganelli quickly overruled the call, saying it was incomplete. Coach Chan Gailey challenged the call, but the play was upheld and the Bills were charged a timeout. After the Bills punted, Cincinnati marched 80 yards in 10 plays to tie the game at 20 with 4:09 remaining. Buffalo finished with just one first down the rest of the game and lost, 23-20. After the game, Johnson was adamant the play was a reception and had some pointed"
New deals for Fitzpatrick, Johnson won't come cheap
September 25
Buffalo News
 
"The Buffalo Bills will have to pay out roughly $18 million a year if they want to re-sign both Stevie Johnson and Ryan Fitzpatrick. It sounds like a lot of money. But in the NFL world, where teams are living off the golden goose of television revenue, it's not crazy money. In fact, many teams are committing that much money -- and more -- to the receiver and quarterback positions. Here's how the pay rankings look and how the parameters might shake out as the Bills work on deals for their passing combination."
Johnson returns to practice for Bills
September 23
Buffalo News
 
"Wide receiver Stevie Johnson returned to practice Thursday, a day after resting his sore groin, and coach Chan Gailey said he practiced fully. Defensive end Spencer Johnson (hip) also returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday and defensive tackle Torell Troup (lower back) made it through his second day of full practice. "He's looking better, not good, but better," Gailey said. While the team practiced inside the field house, linebacker Kirk Morrison (hamstring) was outside working with trainers. Cornerback Terrence McGee (hamstring) and guard Kraig Urbik (knee) are out. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was added the New England Patriots' injury report with a back injury."
Pats DBs dinged; Stevie sits
September 22
Buffalo News
 
"Bills receiver Stevie Johnson was watchcing practice due to his sore groin injury. That was expected. Johnson says he intends to play Sunday against New England. The Patriots' secondary has some injuries. Backup cornerback Kyle Arrington (head) and starting safety Patrick Chung (hand) were not practicing at the start of New England's workout today."
Johnson emerges as Bills' go-to receiver
September 16
Sacramento Bee
 
"Stevie Johnson was a part of the first graduating class at Rodriguez High School in Fairfield in 2004. And if you aren't familiar with his exploits as a football player, you're not alone. Johnson has escaped anonymity in the NFL, where he's emerged as the Buffalo Bills' go-to receiver in his fourth season. Johnson didn't envision playing in the NFL when he was at Rodriguez and later Chabot College in San Leandro before transferring to Kentucky. "But they say if you ball, if you play good, somebody will find you," Johnson said in a media conference call Wednesday. "A few schools saw me (in high school), but they wanted me as a defensive back.""
Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson makes noise nationally but not at home in Bay Area
September 16
Oakland Tribune
 
"Stevie Johnson made news last year on Twitter for questioning God's intentions when he dropped a potential game-winning pass in overtime. Johnson was front and center again during Week 1 when his cut block ended the season of Kansas City safety Eric Berry, prompting charges of dirty play. Yet as a local story, Johnson continues to fly under the radar. Many are unaware the Buffalo Bills wide receiver and one of the NFL's bright young playmakers grew up in San Francisco, went to high school in Fairfield and junior college in Hayward. Johnson, who had a leaping 27-yard touchdown reception in a 41-7 win over the Chiefs in Week 1 despite a lingering sore groin, enjoyed a breakout season in 2010"
Bills' Johnson tries to be like Lee
August 2
Buffalo News
 
"Buffalo Bills receiver Stevie Johnson is a fun guy with a big personality. He loves to interact with fans on Twitter. He likes to make music videos. His good-natured, "Why So Serious?" touchdown celebration in Cincinnati last year probably was the highlight of the entire Bills season. He just struck an endorsement deal with an eye-black company. (Yes, football fans, even eye-black companies give out endorsements.) Don't get the idea, however, that Johnson needed to be fitted with a bigger helmet because of his breakout performance in 2010. Johnson says he's determined not to get caught up in too much hype. "I got some more attention now," Johnson said. "But I feel the same, really. I have"
With fans all atwitter, Johnson turns the page
December 2
Buffalo News
 
"Buffalo Bills receiver Stevie Johnson is a master at wearing his message on his shirt, as his "Why So Serious?" exploit in Cincinnati proved. So it was immediately apparent Wednesday how he was coping with his drop of a sure touchdown pass in overtime of Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. Johnson walked out to a news conference with a T-shirt that read: "IT'S ALL GOOD." "I've been able to put it behind me," Johnson said as the Bills began preparations for Sunday's game in Minnesota. "I haven't forgotten about it but I'm able to move on. I feel like I learned I'm not in control. I'm not in control of the situations, and I thought I was. I was getting to the point where I felt I was in"
Johnson: I did not blame God
November 30
Buffalo News
 
"Stevie Johnson took to his Twitter page Monday to clear up any confusion that one of his tweets following Sunday's game may have caused. Johnson, who dropped the potential game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers -- then unleashed an emotional three-minute news conference after the game -- tweeted the following after the 19-16 loss: "I praise you 24/7!!!!!! And this how you do me!!!! You expect me to learn from this??? How ???!!! I'll never forget this!! Ever!!! Thx tho ..." That message got national attention Monday, appearing in blogs across the country, including CNN's Belief Blog. It was even a topic on the Rush Limbaugh radio show. Johnson, who was the only"
Bills' Johnson catching on to the NFL game
November 21
Buffalo News
 
"Stevie Johnson has a history of learning as he goes. He's been that way his entire life. "He was always a kid that if you showed him how to do something, it didn't take long for him to figure it out," said Andre Lewis, Johnson's stepfather. "And when he gets it, he gets better at it." The same can be said of Johnson's football career. He never played quarterback until his senior year in high school and still became an all-state selection. He didn't play wide receiver until college and became one of the best ever at two schools. In his third season with the Buffalo Bills, Johnson has gone from bench-warmer to playmaker. He leads the team in catches (44), yards (591) and touchdowns (six),"
Fashion police fine Johnson
November 25
Buffalo News
 
"Bills receiver Stevie Johnson was fined $5,000 by the NFL for his playful uniform statement at Sunday's game in Cincinnati. Johnson said he doesn't regret wearing the T-shirt with the words "Why so serious?" written on them. But Johnson said he has learned a lesson. Asked if the fine discourages him from further demonstrations, Johnson said: "Yeah, it does. I'll just be smarter about it. I didn't go in expecting to get fined. It was just a fun gesture and I got in trouble for it." The T-shirt quote was a reference to a statement by the character the Joker in the Batman movie "The Dark Knight." Bengals receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco refer to themselves as Batman and Robin."
Johnson must stop kicking himself over the drop
November 29
Buffalo News
 columnist Jerry Sullivan
"Three plays after the drop, as the Bills prepared to punt the ball back to the Steelers in overtime, Stevie Johnson walked dejectedly to the sideline, took off his helmet and sat down at the far right end of the bench. Johnson turned sideways, his legs dangling off the end of the bench, and stared at the video screen above the far end zone, where he had let the game slip through his hands moments before. He remained that way until the end, unwilling to look out at the real action unfolding on the field. Just once, Johnson shifted to his right and toward the field, where the Steelers were moving away from him, toward a winning score. He quickly turned his gaze back toward the video board,"
Bills lose OT heartbreaker to Pittsburgh Steelers
November 29
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
 
"The message from Chan Gailey was perfectly clear, and it resonated inside the Buffalo Bills locker room until every last player had finished dressing Sunday afternoon. "If we want to be the team that we think we are, and get to where we think we can get, this is a game we have to win," quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said, paraphrasing his coach moments after the Bills failed to do just that, albeit in wildly entertaining and gut-wrenching fashion. This franchise has suffered some of the most inexplicable defeats the NFL has ever seen, many of them coming in this soon-to-be 11-year run of playoff non-existence. But Sunday's 19-16 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers will hold a prominent"