Tashard Choice knows a thing or two about playing running back at a high level. He stood out at Georgia Tech in college, which helped him become a 4th round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2008. His productive rookie season helped them set a winning record. Then he scored a touchdown in their first playoff win in more than a decade the following season. Choice played in the league for nine years before becoming a coach. His job led him to become the running backs coach at Texas in 2022. It was there that he met Roschon Johnson.
While Bijan Robinson was the star of the show with the Longhorns, it didn’t take long for Choice to realize that Johnson was the true leader of this running room. He explained it to Parkins & Spiegel on 670 The Score. What separates the Chicago Bears’ 4th round pick from the rest is his selflessness. He will literally do whatever it takes to help his team win. This includes working on special teams and even blocking for fellow running backs. Don’t get me wrong, though. Johnson can run this football, and Choice said he firmly believes he’ll be Chicago’s big dog before long.
Roschon Johnson thinks the Bears’ long-term plan is possible.
They probably didn’t have big plans on drafting a running back. There were other areas to deal with. However, by round 4, general manager Ryan Poles was stunned that Johnson was still available. He could no longer ignore the value on his board. So the Bears took it. While the young running back was delighted to be selected, he was also angry. After working so hard in college and showing he could be the guy in almost any other program, it felt like a personal gripe that teams passed on him so many times.
Now the Bears have insurance. D’Onta Foreman is working on a one-year contract. Khalil Herbert will enter the final season of his rookie contract in 2024. Having Roschon Johnson in the fold gives the organization some leverage if Herbert seeks a significant raise after this season. One thing is certain. Johnson is the most versatile player they have in the backfield. While his running ability is on par with Foreman, it’s his receiving prowess and pass protection that sets him apart. This could be what elevates him to the starting position.
