Jaylon Johnson grateful for support from family, friends

Johnson praised his girlfriend “for loving me through the light, through the darkness,” and “for being my biggest fan and my toughest critic.”

“You hype me up and you keep me humble all at the same time,” he said. “You push me to grow to new limits, so I want to thank you.”

Johnson thanked his “lord and savior, Jesus Christ.” He also lauded “friends that have become family through tough times and good ones,” his hometown of Fresno, Calif., and Salt Lake City (where he attended the University of Utah), “for taking me as a young kid out of Fresno and helping me achieve my dreams of playing in the NFL.”

Johnson continued by thanking the McCaskey family and Bears general manager Ryan Poles and the front office, as well as the team’s coaches, trainers, strength staff, equipment department, nutritionist and cafeteria workers.

“This organization believed in me from Day 1 and has continued to show that belief in me,” Johnson said.

“I also want to thank the city for backing me since I came to the ‘Chi.’ You guys are a tough crowd at times, but you love your Bears and you want us to be the best we can be, and I love and respect you guys for that. I’m looking to bring more wins and championships to this city while I’m here. To my teammates, I want to say thank you for loving me and letting my life shine, for being good-hearted people and having a thirst to win, and trust me, it’s coming soon.”