Cleveland, OH
Jets' Jermaine Johnson never satisfied despite strong season
Jermaine Johnson had his first NFL interception, touchdown return and fumble recovery in his last game, but that night he was “mad.”
He feels that way often, whether it’s because the Jets lost or he believes he could have done more.
Johnson thinks he’s shown that he’s “a dominant player” in his second NFL season, but he’s not satisfied. He never is. Ever.
“It’s a blessing and a curse because sometimes I’m just like mad,” Johnson told Newsday. “I kind of sit down and I’m like, ‘Nah.’ I’m never really satisfied.”
The Jets (6-10) will close out the season Sunday in New England, looking to snap a 15-game losing streak against the Patriots in what could be Bill Belichick’s final game as their coach.
The Jets’ defense wants to end the right way after allowing Joe Flacco to pass for 309 yards and three scores in a 34-20 loss in Cleveland on Dec. 28.
Johnson had a good game, though.
New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) New York Jets linebacker Bryce Huff (47) New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) celebrate a sack during the second half the Houston Texans at the NY Jets on December 10, 2023 Credit: Lee S. Weissman/Lee S. Weissman
He deflected a Flacco pass into the air, picked it off and ran 37 yards for a touchdown. Later, he scooped up a fumble and took it in for the TD, but the play was ruled dead.
Johnson called the pick “cool,” but he was hot.
“I was mad,” he said. “It was a good play. It was a cool play. It was probably one of the best I’ve made. We didn’t win. I still didn’t feel like I had enough of a presence in the game.”
After playing 312 snaps as a rookie, Johnson has established himself as a disruptive piece who could play alongside All-Pro tackle Quinnen Williams for a long time.
Johnson’s 714 snaps this year are second on the line to Williams. Johnson is second on the Jets with 6.5 sacks and has seven passes defended.
“He’s having an amazing year,” Williams said. “Just to see the growth from last year to this year . . . You can see the game-changing plays that he makes week in and week out. Not just last week, but this whole season.
“I’m super-excited to be able to play with him in the future for years to come. We definitely can be one of the best dynamic duos in the league for years to come.”
The Jets envisioned Johnson being a foundation player when they traded up to grab him with the 26th pick in 2022. He spent last year in the shadows of some of the Jets’ other picks: Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.
Johnson stayed hungry, worked hard on his body and game in the offseason and proved he’s just as important to the Jets.
“Jermaine has been awesome, and I feel bad for him because he kind of gets lost in the shuffle of the [three] picks that we had that get celebrated,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. “But Jermaine is playing at a Pro Bowl level. He’s disruptive. He changes games. He gets after the quarterback. He’s awesome in the run game, playing through so much pain right now.
“It’s so cool just to watch a young man who put in the work that he needed to in the offseason to reap the rewards of his labor. He’s doing a great job, grossly underrated in my opinion, but he’s going to be good for a long time.”
The defensive coaches believe in letting a rookie watch and learn and then unleashing him when he’s better acclimated. They expect edge rusher Will McDonald, their first-round pick this year who has played only 167 snaps, to follow a similar path.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich noted Johnson’s “huge jump” and said it’s “the same jump I anticipate Will taking next year.”
Ulbrich said Johnson “is rare” because he can do so much from being “a violent edge-setter” to having “great speed and bend and an arsenal of moves — and that is his superpower.”
Johnson also has shown he’s good against the run.
After Johnson’s rookie season, he watched a lot of film of himself and said he didn’t recognize that person. That fueled his offseason work. He said he recognizes himself when he watches tape now — but, you know.
“I’m still not satisfied, just never really satisfied,” Johnson said. “The tape looks pretty good. I like to win. I like to be an undisputable dominant force and a great teammate. I’m just looking to bring that into the next year and making sure that that’s true.”
Johnson doesn’t know what it will take for him to truly be satisfied.
“I have no idea,” he said. “I just know that when I hit the peak of one mountain, it always ends up to be the base of another. That’s how I’ve always been wired. I can’t tell you what will change that.”
The only thing Johnson knows is that he’ll never stop wanting more.
“My thing is hard work must get done,” he said. “Hard work mixed with the talent that God gives me and mixed with the great teammates and people I have around me should be a recipe for good things.”
JETS-PATRIOTS GAMEDAY
Line: Patriots by 1.5; O/U 30.5
TV: Fox (Chris Myers, Robert Smith, Jen Hale)
Radio: ESPN (98.7) (Bob Wischusen, Marty Lyons); SiriusXM 380.
All-time series: Patriots lead, 74-54-1 (Patriots have won 15 in a row).
Last meeting: Sept. 24, 2023,
Patriots 15 (at) Jets 10.
KEY INJURIES
Jets: OUT: QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles), QB Zach Wilson (concussion), TE Jeremy Ruckert (concussion), OL Jake Hanson (concussion). DOUTBFUL: G Wes Schweitzer (calf).
Patriots: OUT: T Trent Brown (illness), TE Hunter Henry (knee): QUESTIONABLE: S Jalen Mills (ankle), WR Tyquan Thornton (ankle); DL Christan Barmore (knee).
BYE STREAK, BYE BILL?
The Jets, losers of 15 straight games against the Patriots, hope to accomplish two things in what could be Bill Belichick’s final game coaching New England.
“It would be nice to send him out with a loss and end the streak all in one,” tight end Tyler Conklin said.
Both have been talked about among the Jets’ players. They’re tired of hearing about and being asked about the streak. The Jets’ last win over New England came on Dec. 27, 2015. It’s the longest active one in the NFL. “We got to fix it,” C.J. Mosley said. “It’s a great time to start.”
CLIMBING THE CHARTS
Garrett Wilson is seven catches shy of 100. Brandon Marshall is the only Jet to record 100 receptions in a season. He had 109 in 2015.
Breece Hall needs 105 scrimmage yards to become the fifth Jet with 1,500 yards in a season. Curtis Martin did it six times and Freeman McNeil, Thomas Jones and Marshall once.
With one catch, Conklin will become the third Jets tight end with 60 receptions in a season. Mickey Shuler did it four times and Dustin Keller once.
(All the previous marks were done in a 16-game season).
NEW QBs
Trevor Siemian will be the eighth Jets quarterback to start against the Patriots since the streak began. Bailey Zappe will be New England’s fourth.
The other Jets’ starters were Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Sam Darnold, Luke Falk, Josh McCown, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty. The Patriots? Mac Jones, Cam Newton and Tom Brady.
QUOTABLE
“It’s a good opportunity to go out there, play a clean football game, start the year and end the season on a win — and obviously end this damn streak.”
— Tyler Conklin
NUMBER, PLEASE
23-2. Bill Belichick’s record against the Jets since they beat New England in the 2010 AFC divisional round. It was the last time the Jets reached the playoffs
— AL IANNAZZONE
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
CLEVELAND — For Kyle Burnett, drag is more than just a hobby, discovering the art form after falling into a deep depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Burnett, who is nonbinary, has been living in Ohio for more than a decade and has performed as “Zoey Zegai” for five of those years.
“It was a tough time … I found drag not only as a way of entertainment, but embracing myself as a queer member of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Burnett, who uses he/they pronouns.
While Burnett has been met with substantial support, he said, he’s noticed a recent shift in societal attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community over the last year.
“I had my purse and was wearing short shorts because Ohio gets hot in the summertime, and I had a beer bottle thrown at me from outside of someone’s car window,” Burnett said.
“Zoey Zegai,” which Burnett said, is influenced by old-school divas like Joan Crawford and newer divas like Jinkx Monsoons.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), 500 anti-LGBTQ bills have been proposed during the 2026 legislative session nationwide.
One of these bills is HB 249, or the “Indecent Exposure Modernization Act,” which would restrict drag performances to adult entertainment venues. The policy also changes the definition of public indecency to include “performers or entertainers who exhibit a gender identity that is different from the performer’s or entertainer’s biological sex using clothing, makeup, prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts, or other physical markers.”
TransOhio Executive Director Dara Adkison said the bill uses broad language and could criminalize gender-diverse expression.
“It’s really making a statute that law enforcement professionals get to enforce their personal ideas about what is and isn’t appropriate gender representation, what is and isn’t performance. You know, is it singing karaoke? Is it being and drag queen? I know, is it a trans person walking down?” said Adkison, who uses they/them pronouns.
While many Ohioans are expressing concerns about the bill targeting transgender people and drag performers, nonprofit Equality Ohio said, the legislation’s impact expands to athletes and countless others.
The bill revises a previous code banning the exposure of “private parts” to now ban the exposure of “private areas,” said Dwayne Steward, Executive Director of Equality Ohio.
“Because the language they use is so vague, it really can apply to anyone, really. The language has been shifted from ‘obscenity’ … someone showing their genitals … to anyone showing their ‘genital area’, which could mean anyone who’s wearing a sports bra, a cheerleader who may be showing their midriff. “
Supporters of HB 249 said the bill is meant to protect children, while others have said this argument reinforces a harmful narrative surrounding drag performances.
“People, immediately when they see drag, they think that it is something that is sexual, something that is trying to indoctrinate children, to expose them to sexual content. And that’s not the case in any capacity,” Olivia Kowslowski.
Kowslowski is born and raised in northeast Ohio, now performing as “Monica Mod.”
Kowslowski, who started first started performing drag in Jan. 2022.
“I think that my perspective is important because it just shows that the bill is harmful to many people, including people that they were not expecting to be impacted by this,” she said. “… Most people don’t realize that when I’m in drag, I am, I’m a cisgender woman.”
While she’s become well known around her college campus’ drag scene, Kowslowski said, she and other performers are facing additional barriers.
“I have found that finding bookings is much more difficult because many venues are a lot more hesitant to host drag events at their spaces, or even support drag entertainers and their venues. Mainly from HB 249,” she said.
The Democratic Society of America’s Cleveland chapter recently announced it is launching a Gender Freedom Policy Petition that would go against “recent legislation calling to limit and ban drag performances,” calling it, “an injustice to not only the drag scene but also the broader Cleveland community.”
The petitions also includes provisions “that safeguard drag performers” and call for city-backed gender-affirming care services.
HB 249 now remains under review by the Ohio Senate and would require the governor’s signature before going into effect.
While the future remains uncertain, Burnett said, he and others in the drag community are hoping to build wider solidarity across all Ohio populations.
“We’re all just trying to live the same day-to-day life, get groceries, pay bills, drive to-and-from work. But there’s no room for hate,” Burnett said. “There’s no room for violence. We just want to feel like Ohio citizens.”
Getty
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 01: Roberto Perez #55 of the Cleveland Indians reacts after Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs , hit a two-run RBI double during the first inning in Game Six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
On Thursday evening, the Cleveland Guardians will play their first game of the 2026 regular season when they visit the Mariners in Seattle.
Before Opening Day, a franchise legend announced that he is calling it quits on his baseball career.
Cleveland Guardians Legend Announces Retirement
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 10: Roberto Perez #55 of the Cleveland Indians hits a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning during a game at Progressive Field on April 10, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Roberto Perez (who last played in 2023) announced his retirement from baseball (h/t MLB Trade Rumors).
Perez wrote (via Instagram): “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to officially retire from baseball. This game has been a major part of my life and has shaped me both on and off the field. Through baseball, I’ve learned discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the importance of commitment. I am deeply grateful for every coach, teammate, trainer, and supporter who helped me along the way and believed in me throughout my journey. While this decision was not an easy one, I feel confident that it is the right time to step away and begin the next chapter of my life. I leave the game with nothing but respect and appreciation for everything it has given me. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this experience and for the opportunities, lessons, and memories that will stay with me forever. Sincerely, Roberto Bebo Perez🙏🏻⚾️”
Perez’s MLB Career
GettyCHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 29: Roberto Perez #55 of the Cleveland Indians walks across the field in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs in Game Four of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 29, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Perez was picked in the 33rd round of the 2008 MLB Draft.
He spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Guardians.
In that span, the 37-year-old won two Gold Glove Awards (and helped the franchise reach the World Series).
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 31: Roberto Perez #55 and Brad Hand #33 of the Cleveland Indians hug at the mound after defeating the Minnesota Twins 6-2 at Target Field on July 31, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Perez also spent the final two seasons of his ten-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants.
Over 516 career games, he batted .207 with 55 home runs, 193 RBI’s and 165 runs.
GettyNEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: Roberto Perez #1 of the San Francisco Giants hits a single during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium on March 30, 2023 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Current Guardians
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 30: Manager Stephen Vogt #12 of the Cleveland Guardians speaks with the media following game one of the American League Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field on September 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Guardians are coming off a season where they won the AL Central with an 88-74 record.
They lost to the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card Round.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
More Heavy on Guardians
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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (45-27) vs. Miami Heat (38-34)
Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH
When: Wed., March 25 at 7:30 PM
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports App, NBA League Pass
Point spread: Cavs -2.5
Cavs injury report: Max Strus – OUT (injury management), Dean Wade – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Jaylon Tyson – OUT (toe), Jarrett Allen – OUT (knee), Craig Porter Jr. – OUT (groin), Larry Nance Jr. – QUESTIONABLE (illness), Olivier Sarr – OUT (G League)
Heat injury report: Terry Rozier – OUT (not with team), Vladislav Goldin – OUT (G League), Trevor Keels – OUT (G League), Jahmir Young – OUT (G League)
Cavs expected starting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Keon Ellis, Sam Merrill, Evan Mobley
Heat expected starting lineup: Davion Mitchell, Tyler Herro, Pelle Larsson, Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo
Previous matchup: The shorthanded (and later fined) Cavs defeated the Heat 130-116 on Nov. 12.
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