Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. has praised quarterback Joe Burrow’s remarkable leadership on and off the field, highlighting how it influences his growth and energizes the team. Knight says Burrow’s approach to command and strategy is unlike anything he has witnessed in a quarterback.
It’s like one of those lion stare-offs. He doesn’t blink, just to let you know,
Knight said via the team’s website.
The way he takes command, the way he takes control of the field, takes control of what he likes and doesn’t like. Guys (in college) maybe hesitate with a call or the whole look to the sideline thing. He goes up here with a Plan A, B, and C, with three or four different things in mind. ‘If they do this, I change to this.’ That’s why he’s great. That’s why he’s going to wear a gold jacket some day. It’s instrumental to my growth and everybody going across from him.
Diontae Johnson Aims to Rebuild After Challenging 2024 Season
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson, now with the Cleveland Browns after stints with the Panthers, Ravens, and Texans last year, is determined to reset his career and quiet critics questioning his character. Despite a turbulent 2024, Johnson remains focused on delivering his best performance going forward.
I don’t want to speak on a lot of stuff,
Johnson said, via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.
Everybody’s going to have their opinions, you know what I’m saying? So at the end of the day, I’m the only one in that room that really know what’s going on. They’re entitled to their own opinion, so I can only go off of what I know and then try to go off what I put out there and my best effort. But like I said, last year is last year. I’m trying to change that narrative and move the right way and keep going.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski noted that Johnson has adjusted well to the team‘s offseason program, working hard to learn the playbook and terminology.
Diontae’s doing a nice job, Stefanski said.
Obviously getting up to speed with terminology and those types of things, and I think we’ll just continue to work. But it’s good to have him out here.
Johnson’s standout season came in 2021, when he recorded 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, and eight touchdowns. He remains confident in his abilities and is eager to demonstrate his skills in upcoming opportunities.
I’m still in that form, Johnson said.
It’s just a matter of whenever I get my opportunities to put it on film.
Trenton Simpson Embraces New Role and Mentorship with Ravens
Linebacker Trenton Simpson did not participate in any postseason games for Baltimore after starting 13 games last season, but views this setback as a turning point in his career. He believes the bench role has sharpened his focus for the upcoming season.
I know that will be the greatest thing that ever happened in my career,
Simpson said, via Ryan Mink of the team’s site.
It definitely made me more alert to understand that this is a business, and you have to prove it every single day. I’ve learned so much from it.
Simpson has spent considerable time with fellow linebacker Roquan Smith, seeking to absorb knowledge and improve his play through mentorship.
I’m trying to take all the knowledge I can that he’s given me,
Simpson said.
Being around greatness creates greatness. So, I’m just trying to be around him as much as possible, working hard, and following his lead. I’m ready to go out there and lay it on the line for this team and for him.
Smith emphasized their effort to build a stronger on-field connection as they prepare for 2025. He expressed confidence in Simpson’s athletic abilities and potential.
[We’re] just trying to build on our bond with each other, knowing what he’s thinking in certain situations and also just knowing what I’m thinking, and just getting out and doing more things to create a tighter bond,
Smith said.
But I think the guy has all the athletic ability in the world – everything you would want. I have great faith that he’s going to be able to put it all together.
The Growing Impact of Leadership and Mentorship in NFL Teams
As the 2025 season approaches, the influence of leaders like Joe Burrow, and the mentorship taking place between players like Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson, is reshaping team dynamics across the league. Burrow’s command and confidence exemplify the impact a commanding quarterback can have on team culture and individual player development. Meanwhile, players like Diontae Johnson look to overcome past challenges, supported by coaching staff focused on growth and readiness.
These evolving relationships and examples of leadership indicate a hopeful and intense drive within NFL teams to improve cohesion and performance. This trend is likely to affect team outcomes significantly, making leadership and command qualities an essential focus as the league moves forward.