Former professional football player changes careers, works for Minnetonka Police Department
MINNETONKA, Minn. — Justin Johnson has a good routine.
"So, first thing I do, I go get the squad washed. That's the first thing I do every day," Johnson said.
The cadet for the Minnetonka Police department is making a career switch up. The previous one: professional football.
"I feel like with football, it's a constant adrenaline rush. But here you get that every now and then. You see lights and sirens, it's the same kind of juice."
But it's not always glamorous.
"Turkeys are a danger to the community. I'm not even lying. I've had more trouble with turkeys than any other animal," Johnson said.
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He grew up in Alabama, and as a senior high school was the top ranked wide receiver in the state.
"From middle school to high school all we do is win. And when you're winning it's a good time," he said.
"Hearing his stories about his football career is very interesting," said Deputy Chief Jason Tait. "Something that's totally different from anything I know. So it's been fun to hear."
A switch to tight end at Mississippi State led to a contract with the Seattle Seahawks. But in training camp came a dreaded injury: the Achilles.
"One of those things. Caught a flat from Geno. Nobody around, it just popped. Felt like somebody was tackling me. So on film, it looked like I'm breaking a tackle but I'm actually, like I can't run no more."
More injuries came when Johnson signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Then he played two seasons in the United States Football League. Last year, he had a decision to make when his interview with the Minnetonka Police conflicted with a workout for the XFL.
"It was either go to the interview on Wednesday or go to the workout on Sunday. And I picked the interview," he said.
In just a few months, Johnson will graduate from cadet to officer, completing the transition from the football field to the police force.
"I loved it [football] so much, it's kind of hard to step away from it. But it's easy to love something else," he said.