DETROIT – Amon-Ra St. Brown revealed what he said to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson when he found out Johnson was leaving the Detroit Lions for the division-rival Bears.
Johnson spent the last three years leading Detroit’s top-five offense, but after the divisional round loss to the Washington Commanders, he accepted the head coaching job in Chicago.
St. Brown said he’s happy for Johnson and his family, but on the field, the message wasn’t as friendly.
“I told him, ‘Two times a year, Ben, we’re gonna f--- you up,’” St. Brown said. “He goes, ‘I’ma f--- you up.‘”
Johnson, 38, has been with the Lions since 2019. His innovative play calling earned him head coaching interest each of the past two off-seasons, but this time, he decided to pull the trigger.
During Johnson’s time as offensive coordinator, the Lions ranked fourth, third, and second in yards per game and fifth, fifth, and first in points per game.
St. Brown thrived in the system, averaging 113 catches, 1,313 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns per season under Johnson.
The Lions swept the Bears this season and have won five of the last six head-to-head meetings.
