Full Breakdown
Kansas City Chiefs Draft Former Nebraska Running Back Emmett Johnson
4/26/2026, 10:27:01 PM
Chiefs Select Former Nebraska Running Back Emmett Johnson
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs selected former Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson with the 161st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Johnson adds a playmaker to a Chiefs offense as a fifth-round selection.
Johnson’s 2025 Season: Starting Role and Receiving Production
Johnson entered the 2025 season as Nebraska’s starting back, playing all 12 regular-season games. He also contributed as a receiver, recording 46 receptions—the second-highest season total by a Nebraska running back. He amassed 1,451 rushing yards on 251 carries, leading the Big Ten and becoming the first Husker to surpass 1,000 yards since 2018. Highlights include a 217-yard performance against Iowa—the program’s first 200-yard game since 2014—and earning Big Ten Running Back of the Year, first-team All-Big Ten, and Academic All-Big Ten honors from 2023 to 2025.
Four-Year Career Statistics and Touchdown Discrepancy
Over four seasons, Johnson compiled 2,460 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns on 458 attempts, averaging 120 yards per game in his senior year. He logged 92 receptions for 702 yards and five receiving touchdowns, with 46 catches—the second-most by a Nebraska running back. Sources differ on his 2025 touchdown total: KETV reports 12 rushing touchdowns, while Chiefs.com lists 15 total touchdowns.
Chiefs’ Official Statements on Johnson
The Chiefs’ official Twitter post highlighted Johnson’s “chip on his shoulder,” praising his work ethic and noting his Big Ten experience and dual-threat ability as a runner and receiver. Team officials said his addition adds depth to the backfield and fits the organization’s focus on versatile playmakers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yeah, it was amazing (playing at Arrowhead Stadium). I didn’t get to meet – I seen some of the players walking down on the field, but I didn’t get to meet them,” — Emmett Johnson, press conference
- “It fuels me every single second of the day. I’ve just got a chip on my shoulder. I feel like a box of Pringles at this point now.” — Emmett Johnson, press conference
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Johnson’s 2025 touchdown count: KETV reports 12 rushing touchdowns, while Chiefs.com lists 15 total touchdowns.
What’s Next: Rookie Season Outlook
Johnson will begin his rookie season with the Chiefs in 2026. He has expressed a desire to work hard, contribute on offense and special teams, and prove the doubters wrong. The organization expects him to compete for a role in the backfield and earn playing time.
