Avery Johnson Takes Big Call on NFL Combine in His Statement to Kansas State as Cowboys’ Jerry Jones Clears Draft Intention
As the 2025 NFL Draft season heats up, all eyes have been on the exciting young talents emerging from the college football ranks. Among them is Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson, whose stellar performances on the field have put him firmly in the spotlight. Johnson, who had been a standout for the Wildcats, faced a tough decision about whether or not he would enter the 2025 NFL Draft. However, his recent statement to Kansas State, coupled with comments from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, have clarified the young QB’s intentions and what fans can expect going forward.
For Johnson, the decision to leave Kansas State and pursue a future in the NFL was not an easy one. He’s been the centerpiece of the Wildcats’ offense, leading them through numerous victories, some of which have been monumental in the context of Kansas State’s football history. But like many talented players, the call of the NFL Combine and the potential for a professional career has been a major point of consideration. With his draft stock rising and potential suitors already eyeing him for a chance to add him to their roster, Johnson’s statement was keenly awaited by college football analysts, scouts, and, of course, Kansas State fans.
The announcement came in the form of a press conference, where Avery Johnson expressed his excitement and readiness for the next step in his football career. The decision was one that would significantly affect the Kansas State football program, as Johnson’s leadership on the field had been pivotal in their offensive success over the past seasons. The quarterback acknowledged that while his time at Kansas State had been transformative, the opportunity to join the NFL and pursue his professional dreams was an opportunity he could not pass up.
Johnson took to the podium with a mixture of gratitude and determination, thanking Kansas State for giving him the platform to develop his game. “This place has given me everything I could’ve asked for. The fans, my teammates, and the coaching staff—everyone has played a role in helping me get to where I am today,” Johnson remarked. His decision to declare for the NFL Draft was met with a mix of emotions, as many Wildcats fans were excited for him but saddened to see him leave.
One of the most important aspects of his decision, however, was his acknowledgment that he would be participating in the NFL Combine. Johnson clarified that while he had previously been undecided about whether or not he would attend the Combine, he felt it was a critical step in his transition to professional football. “The NFL Combine is a great opportunity to showcase my skills, meet with scouts, and get the chance to compete with some of the best young athletes in the world,” he explained. “I’m looking forward to proving myself on that stage.”
However, Johnson’s decision to declare for the draft wasn’t without its challenges. He was well aware of the fact that entering the draft could mean the end of his time at Kansas State, and he expressed how much he valued the relationships he’d built with his teammates and the Wildcats’ coaching staff. “It’s never easy leaving something you’ve poured your heart into, but I believe this is the right move for me. I know this program will continue to do great things, and I’ll always support Kansas State,” Johnson added.
It wasn’t just Johnson’s personal decision that had fans and analysts buzzing; Cowboys owner Jerry Jones also made some significant comments that added fuel to the fire. For weeks, rumors had been swirling that the Dallas Cowboys were eyeing Johnson as a potential future quarterback for the franchise. With Jones’ remarks, those rumors began to take shape into something more concrete.
In a conversation with reporters, Jerry Jones was asked about Johnson’s draft prospects, and he didn’t hold back. “Avery Johnson has all the tools you look for in a quarterback,” Jones said. “He’s got the arm strength, the mobility, and the leadership qualities that make him a potential star at the next level. He’s the kind of player who can make an immediate impact in the NFL, and we’re certainly paying attention to him.”
Jones’ comments made it clear that the Cowboys were interested in Johnson, though they stopped short of making any formal promises about selecting him in the draft. “We’ve been following Avery for a while now,” Jones continued. “He’s got a lot of potential, and we think he could be a great fit for our system. But there’s still a lot to see from him at the Combine and through the draft process. We’ll be evaluating all our options.”
For Johnson, hearing those comments from Jones was a sign of validation. As one of the most influential figures in NFL history, Jones’ praise carried immense weight. It meant that Johnson’s talent had not gone unnoticed and that the Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in the league, were seriously considering him as a future centerpiece for their offense. The comments also served as a boost to Johnson’s confidence, as he now knew that his skills were being closely scrutinized by NFL executives who understood the game at the highest level.
The connection between Johnson and the Cowboys makes sense on multiple levels. Dallas has been in the market for a potential long-term solution at quarterback, especially as Dak Prescott, their current QB, nears the latter stages of his career. While Prescott is still an elite quarterback, there’s always the need to plan for the future. Johnson’s unique skill set—his strong arm, ability to read defenses, and calm under pressure—makes him an intriguing prospect for the Cowboys.
Additionally, Johnson’s experience at Kansas State, where he faced tough competition in the Big 12, would likely translate well to the NFL. Playing against some of the top college defenses in the country has prepared him for the speed and intensity of professional football. His ability to lead the Wildcats to numerous victories, including key wins over conference rivals, proves that he has the mindset of a winner—an essential quality for any quarterback hoping to thrive in the NFL.
Despite all the praise and attention Johnson is receiving, he knows that the road ahead won’t be easy. The NFL Draft is full of incredibly talented players, and while Johnson’s stock is rising, he still has much to prove. The NFL Combine will be his opportunity to showcase his physical abilities and mental toughness, proving to scouts and coaches that he has what it takes to compete at the next level. Johnson will likely face questions about his college system, his ability to transition to a more complex NFL offense, and his decision-making under pressure. However, if his performances at Kansas State are any indication, he will be ready to take on those challenges.
As for Kansas State, the program has shown that it can continue to thrive even when faced with the loss of major players. The Wildcats have a strong coaching staff led by Chris Klieman, who has done a remarkable job of developing talent and getting the best out of his players. While losing Johnson will be a blow, the team is well-equipped to reload and continue to be a force in the Big 12. Kansas State fans will undoubtedly rally behind their team and continue to support Johnson as he embarks on his professional journey.
For the Cowboys, the interest in Johnson is just the beginning of their draft evaluation process. While the franchise has certainly had its eye on the quarterback, they will likely consider several other options as the draft approaches. The competition for top quarterback prospects is fierce, and Dallas will need to weigh all their options carefully as they look for a player who can lead them to the next level.
In conclusion, Avery Johnson’s decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft marks a major turning point in his career. As one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, he has the potential to become a future star in the NFL. With his impressive combination of skills, leadership, and football IQ, Johnson is poised to make a significant impact at the next level. Whether he ends up with the Dallas Cowboys or another team, his future looks incredibly bright. As the NFL Combine draws closer and the draft process intensifies, fans, analysts, and scouts will be eagerly watching to see where Johnson’s journey takes him next.
