Green Bay Packers rookie fullback Quinn Johnson is a rarity in the NFL. He actually enjoys putting a defender on his back more than scoring a touchdown.[img_r]http://cmsimg.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=U0&Date=20090501&Category=PKR07&ArtNo=90501157&Ref=AR&Profile=1058&MaxW=318&Border=0[/img_r]
I know it sounds crazy, but I really do, said Johnson, who participated in the first day of Packers rookie orientation on Friday.
I really love blocking more than I love carrying the ball.
He sounds like the perfect match for the Packers, who like their fullbacks to get down and dirty and stay out of the spotlight.
I really dont care for the glamour and glory, said Johnson, who was drafted in the fifth round out of LSU. I just like to be on the field with the guys having fun. All that (other stuff) I really dont need.
Johnson doesnt dream about getting handoffs or catching passes. If he never does a Lambeau leap during his Packers career, that will be OK.
Just tell him who to block and Johnson will be perfectly happy. Thats pretty much what I play for, to get big blocks, he said.
Johnson sees himself as a linebacker who happens to play offense. Im trying to make contact instead of take the contact, he said. It pretty much comes natural. I just go on the field, know who I have to block and just go at it. Thats it. I love it.
The Packers love what Johnson brings to the offense. Hes a very, very effective lead blocker, Packers General Manager Ted Thompson said. Hes a physical presence.
One unofficial estimate from last season had Johnson recording an astounding 70 pancake blocks, which occurs when a defender is laid out flat. Johnson merely shrugged and said: Its just what I do. Thats the nature of the beast of the position I play.
Johnson is a 246-pound beast who will be champing at the bit for the pads to come on in training camp. Until then, he will learn everything he can about his new team.
He has already talked several times to Packers quarterback Matt Flynn, his former teammate at LSU. He soaked up some history lessons Friday night when Packer Hall of Famers Dorsey Levens and Antonio Freeman spoke to the rookies. He plans to keep his nose buried in the playbook so he knows the offense inside and out.
Above everything else, Johnson views his arrival here as a great opportunity. As far as the team is concerned, the feeling is mutual.
Coach Mike McCarthy knows about Johnsons reputation as a big hitter, but something else impressed him during the first practice. I think he has some natural run instincts and he showed a little bit of that today, said McCarthy. He is a little more athletic than I thought he was, and I think hell be an excellent fit for us.
Whether that translates into more touches by the fullback this season is unknown.
Ill be fine with whatever they give me, said Johnson.
That is, as long as the Packers give him enough blocking assignments.