MOBILE, Ala. — Missouri State defensive lineman Eric Johnson (Plainfield, Ill.) has received an invitation to play in Saturday’s Reese’s Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile.
He was afforded the opportunity to join the squad on game week after his performance in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl last week in Pasadena, Calif. In that game, Johnson’s efforts included a sack and a pass break-up for the American Team.
Johnson played in a school-record 55 consecutive games as a five-year starter for the Bears and was recognized as an All-MVFC second-team selection the past two seasons. In 2021, he racked up 43 total stops with 6.5 tackles for loss and 3 blocked kicks and ended his collegiate tenure with a career-high 11 tackles vs. UT Martin in the NCAA FCS playoffs (11/27/21) at Plaster Stadium with a forced fumble and a blocked kick.
Johnson finished his Missouri State career with 131 total stops, including 19.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
The Senior Bowl is an annual college all-star football game that is played at the conclusion of the NCAA season. The event is considered the most prominent college football all-star game in the United States and is the first stage in the NFL Draft process. With a tradition dating to 1950, the game has been played in Mobile since 1951.
Coaching staffs from the New York Jets and Detroit Lions will lead the two teams. Over the past three NFL drafts (2019-2021), 88.4 percent of the Senior Bowl participants have made an active 53-man NFL roster during their rookie season.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. and will be televised on the NFL Network and live stats available at StatBroadcast.com.
