Jakob Johnson is stepping into sports broadcasting while keeping his playing career alive. The 31-year-old German fullback announced that he will work as a television expert for RTL, starting with the upcoming matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. However, according to statements reported by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Johnson has not officially filed for retirement from the National Football League.
Jakob Johnson Joins RTL as TV Analyst
RTL officially named Johnson as its newest expert commentator for upcoming NFL broadcasts. His debut in the television booth arrives just in time for the game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs over the weekend. While Johnson transitions into media work, he maintains that his playing days are not definitively over. “I’m keeping myself fit. But I can’t sit at home and do nothing. Until the official retirement is announced, a small crack is still open. Even if only in my head,” Johnson told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
NFL Career Path and International Milestone
Johnson carved out a historic path as the first German professional football player to enter the National Football League via the league’s International Player Pathway Program. That initial development initiative secured him a roster spot with the New England Patriots, where he scored a touchdown. With that score, he became the first German offensive player to record a touchdown in the NFL. Across seven total seasons in the league, Johnson spent time under contract with the New England Patriots, the Las Vegas Raiders, the New York Giants, and most recently the Houston Texans during the previous season.
Current Status and Training Routine
Following his tenure with the Houston Texans, the fullback has remained without a team. He currently resides with his family in Tennessee, where he maintains an independent workout regimen to stay in peak physical condition. Despite the transition to the broadcast booth with RTL, Johnson continues training in anticipation of a potential professional opportunity, leaving the door open for a possible return to the gridiron.