John Johnson becomes first player to ever turn down more money

The Browns agreed to a deal with safety John Johnson III and Cleveland is apparently a new prime free agent destination.

There is a famous viral video from 2009 called “David After Dentist.” Viewers see David, a small child, sitting woozy in a car after a trip to the aforementioned dentist. The peak of the video is when he utters the famous line, “Is this real life?”

Cleveland Browns fans are saying the same thing in 2021 as the team is now a legitimate Super Bowl contender after reaching the Divisional Round this past postseason. The team is also apparently a top free-agent destination as the Browns agreed to terms with talented safety John Johnson III when free agency unofficially began Monday.

But the story takes on the unimaginable for Browns fans as Johnson reportedly turned down more money from other teams, according to Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot.

Johnson makes history before playing a single snap in Cleveland

When is the last time someone turned down money to play in Cleveland? This is not a troll of the Browns. This is a genuine question.

Cabot’s sources were Johnson’s actual agents, so it is not like this is a rumor created on social media. The safety got $24 million guaranteed on a three-year deal and clearly likes what he sees taking place on the shores of Lake Erie.

Johnson’s signing may only be the start of top-tier talent actually wanting to join the Browns. Gone are the days, at least for now, of having to overpay average players to convince then to head to Cleveland. If everything goes as planned, the Browns won’t have to do much convincing in the coming years to attract elite talent.

Yes, this is real life.