In a Green Bay Packers preseason opener that offered little to cheer about, undrafted rookie running back Amar Johnson stole the show. On Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Lambeau Field, the 22-year-old from South Dakota State delivered a performance that turned heads and sparked excitement, despite the Packers’ 30-10 loss to the New York Jets. Johnson’s electrifying 39-yard touchdown run was not only the team’s lone score but also a statement that he’s a name to watch in the NFL.
A Star-Making Moment
With the Packers trailing 27-3 early in the fourth quarter, the game seemed destined to be a forgettable one. That is, until Johnson took a handoff from quarterback Sean Clifford. Displaying exceptional vision, he burst through the middle, shook off a defender, and angled toward the end zone. His dive to the pylon capped a 39-yard touchdown run—the longest by a Packers running back since Aaron Jones’ 53-yard scamper in the 2023 NFC divisional playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
The Lambeau Field crowd erupted, and Johnson didn’t hold back on the celebration. He executed his first-ever Lambeau Leap, soaring into the stands where Packers fans hoisted him up in a moment of pure joy. For a rookie in his debut at the iconic stadium, it was a memory etched in time.
Who Is Amar Johnson?
At 22 years old, wearing No. 46, Johnson is a 5-foot-10, 205-pound running back with speed to burn. His 4.46-second 40-yard dash at his pro day ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft showcased his athleticism, though he went undrafted. The Packers, recognizing his potential, signed him as one of 10 undrafted free agents in the spring.
Johnson’s college career at South Dakota State, a Football Championship Subdivision powerhouse, was nothing short of impressive. Over 59 games, he racked up 3,196 yards on 537 carries, averaging 6.0 yards per carry, and scored 38 touchdowns. A two-time first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection in his junior and senior years, Johnson proved he could dominate at the college level. Now, he’s out to prove he belongs in the NFL.
Shining in the Preseason Spotlight
The preseason is a critical time for players like Johnson, who are fighting for a roster spot. In the game against the Jets, he made the most of his opportunity, leading all rushers with 67 yards on seven carries—an average of 9.6 yards per attempt—capped by his touchdown. His performance stood out on a night when the Packers struggled overall, offering a glimmer of hope and a reason for fans to take notice.
Johnson’s burst, vision, and ability to break tackles showed why he’s a contender to climb the Packers’ running back depth chart. With injuries sidelining key backups like Emanuel Wilson and MarShawn Lloyd, and another undrafted rookie, Jalen White, leaving the game with an injury, Johnson’s performance couldn’t have come at a better time. Chris Brooks, a practice squad holdover from last season, and recently signed third-year pro Israel Abanikanda are also in the mix, but Johnson’s debut put him squarely in the conversation.
What’s Next for Johnson?
If Johnson continues to deliver performances like this, he could carve out a significant role in Green Bay’s backfield. The Packers’ running back room is competitive, but injuries and his undeniable talent give him a real shot to make the 53-man roster. His speed, physicality, and knack for big plays make him a versatile weapon, whether as a change-of-pace back or a special teams contributor.
The NFL may not have been ready for Amar Johnson, but after his jaw-dropping preseason debut, everyone is talking. As the Packers move forward in the preseason, all eyes will be on No. 46 to see if he can keep the momentum going and cement his place in Green Bay.