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A New Preseason Hero is Born in Green Bay

Posted August 21, 2025

The preseason used to be mundane. Before, you’d just check the paper to see if anything of note happened, hope for no injuries, and move on. With the trimmed schedule, staffs lean harder into August reps to sharpen live timing for September. Green Bay has no interest in drifting into the regular season with rust.

Naturally, when the starters hit the bench, down-roster players get to shine and make their roster cases. This August, it’s an undrafted rookie running back turning heads at Lambeau: Amar Johnson.

Johnson arrived as a UDFA on May 2 out of South Dakota State, where he piled up more than 3,100 rushing yards and 28 TDs. Nothing was handed to him—only a playbook and a shot.

Taking the Long Way

Week 1 vs. the Jets, the spotlight finally found him. Trailing late, Johnson set up and then broke a 39-yard touchdown—Green Bay’s lone trip to the end zone—finishing the night with 7 carries for 67 yards and the first Lambeau Leap of the season. It didn’t change the result, but it changed the conversation. 

Showing Out the Next Weekend

Seven days later at Indianapolis, he did it again—this time to tie the game 16–16 with a physical 9-yard TD run in the fourth quarter, setting the stage for Sean Clifford’s winner in a 23–19 comeback. One week, one role. The next week, a bigger one. That’s how August jobs are won. 

Up next: the last audition—Seahawks at Packers, Saturday, Aug. 23 (kickoff 3:00 p.m. CDT) at Lambeau Field. For the staff, it’s the final look at the bottom of the depth chart. For Johnson, it’s another chance to make the numbers impossible to ignore.

Cutdown day is coming fast—Tuesday, Aug. 26 (by 4:00 p.m. ET). Clipboards, grades, and tough calls. For Green Bay, it’s a roster exercise. For Amar Johnson, it’s the moment a summer spark can become a seat in the room

Chiefs Locker Room Erupts, Chris Jones Under Investigation for NFL Sports Betting in Jaguars Game - HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment
Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs' locker room is in turmoil following an NFL investigation into defensive star Chris Jones over allegations related to sports betting. Jones, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Week 10, while head coach (HC) Andy Reid has imposed internal penalties after a suspicious performance in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. SOURCE: https://x.com/TheNFLDrop/status/1975574483990909165 The incident stems from a decisive play at the end of the game, where Jones – the Chiefs' top defensive tackle – appeared to "do absolutely nothing" to stop quarterback Trevor Lawrence from scoring the game-winning touchdown. According to sources, this lack of effort prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, suspecting possible involvement in betting, a serious violation of league rules. "He just stood there watching Lawrence run into the end zone like he was watching a movie," an anonymous teammate shared, reflecting the outrage in the locker room. Jones, 31, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. With an impressive career including 3 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, and 75.5 sacks, he signed a 5-year, $158 million contract in 2023. However, this season, Jones has only recorded 2 sacks through 5 games, and his performance against the Jaguars has drawn sharp criticism from Chiefs fans on social media. HC Andy Reid reacted strongly, penalizing Jones by sidelining him from practices and requiring an internal explanation. "We do not tolerate any behavior that harms the team or undermines the integrity of the game," Reid stated post-game. "Our organization prides itself on discipline and trust, and while we await the results of the NFL's investigation, we'll handle this internally to ensure it doesn't distract from our goals. Chris is a talented player, but no one is above the standards we set here in Kansas City." Meanwhile, the Chiefs' locker room is described as "explosive" with arguments, as some players like Patrick Mahomes express disappointment but still offer support for their teammate. The NFL investigation is expected to continue, and if violations are proven, Jones could face a long-term suspension. The Chiefs, currently at 2-3, must quickly stabilize their roster ahead of their next matchup. Fans are watching closely, with many calling this potentially the "biggest scandal of the season."