Arizona Cardinals first round pick, Paris Johnson Jr., was introduced with his new red and white jersey in front of a packed press room.
The sixth pick of the 2023 NFL Draft was joined by several loved ones, including his mom, Monica Daniels, whom he gave a ton of credit.
“My mom has instilled that when you pour into something that’s great, in the bible, it says you get that back tenfold.” Johnson Jr. said. “My mom is happy. She’s waited 24 years for this. Since my dad was last here. Now it’s time to do this thing right.”
“My love for my son,” Daniels said. “That’s what resonates inside of me…it’s a love that only a parent knows…Paris is an inspiration to me because he knows how to push through.”
It is a family business after all, as his father, Paris Johnson Sr., was drafted to the Cardinals in 1999.
One Cardinal who couldn’t be happier with his team selecting an elite offensive tackle is quarterback Kyler Murray.
“I don’t take him wanting me to come here for granted,” Johnson Jr. said. “He said, ‘Paris…I see how hard you play, the tenacity, and finish. I would love for you to block for me.’ This is coming from the franchise guy. He said it before I had a chance to say it…That’s an honor.”
The two hope to lead a new era on the field for Arizona, along with first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort.
More specifics on Johnson Jr.:
Eliav Gabay
