Michigan DB Quinten Johnson announces decision to return for 2024 season

On Tuesday, Michigan cornerback Quinten Johnson announced he will forgo the NFL Draft and return to the program for a sixth season.

“After heavy consideration of the current status of an injury suffered late in last year’s national championship run, I have decided to forgo the NFL and return to the University of Michigan for one more year,” Johnson wrote. “With that being said it’s time to win another National Championship!”

Johnson appeared in all 15 games this past season for Michigan in a special teams role and as a defensive back in 14 contests, making 22 tackles and one interception with five passes defended and a forced fumble this season.

Johnson initially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on Feb. 2. In his statement, he thanked everyone who helped mold him during his time in Ann Arbor.

“I am so grateful to the University of Michigan faculty and staff for the unforgettable years that have shaped me in ways I could never have imagined,” Johnson wrote. “I was blessed to experience the unparalleled joy of playing in front of the best fan base in the nation while obtaining a degree at ‘the best university in the world.’

“It has been my greatest honor to wear the winged helmet, the Michigan jersey, and to play for a community that bleeds maize and blue. To my fellow teammates, our brotherhood has been the biggest blessing of my college experience. Together, we’ve weathered challenges, celebrated victories, and created memories that will forever be etched in the tapestry of my life.”

A new chapter ahead for Quinten Johnson

Now, Quinten Johnson will have an opportunity to etch one more chapter into his expansive story. The 2024 campaign will certainly include a few new characters. This offseason, Michigan saw an event-record 18 players attend the NFL Combine. Additionally, eleven players from Michigan have entered the transfer portal.

Despite the setbacks, new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore isn’t afraid. In fact, he believes Michigan will bounce back just like the many years prior.

“We’re just going to work,” Moore said during an appearance at the NFL Network. “We’re not going to say much. We’re just going to let the results and everything [speak for themselves] on the field. And just keep going to work.

“We’re a blue-collar type program that we’re not going to open our mouths and talk. We’re just gonna go to work and then show what we can do when it comes time in September.”