Now that his Nebraska football career is over, Emmett Johnson knows the NFL team he'd most like to play for at the next level. Originally from Minneapolis, it seems like EJ and the Minnesota Vikings could be a match made in heaven.
Johnson, for his part, has said it would indeed be heavenly if the Vikings were to select early in the 2026 NFL Draft. "Hey, man, it would mean a lot. I grew up in the inner city. I lived about 10-15 minutes from U.S. Bank Stadium. I had a great formal meeting with them and (Kevin) O'Connell. I would love to go back home," Johnson told NBC Sports.
The former Nebraska football star also confirmed that he met with the Vikings this week. Considering he's one of the best running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft, it's hardly out of the question.
Emmett Johnson's dream of returning home could become reality with the Minnesota Vikings
There are plenty of questions about where the Vikings will look for their early draft choices. There are also plenty of questions about what Minny's offense will look like in 2026.
Running back could quietly become a real position of need for the Vikings, especially if the team makes a cap-related decision on veteran back Aaron Jones this offseason.
Johnson, 22, attended Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, MN, where he dominated as a senior, rushing for nearly 2,500 yards and 42 touchdowns en route to earning Minnesota Mr. Football honors. The Golden Gophers didn't offer him a scholarship, so he headed to Nebraska.
Now he's got a chance to continue living his dreams and head back home to play football. The former Nebraska football star will be happy to go to whatever team drafts him. However, it's clear that the Minnesota Vikings still hold a special place in his heart.