Former Vikings receiver has impressive day in new football league

Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson had an outstanding performance on Sunday for the AAF’s Orlando Apollos.

For some players who used to call the Minnesota Vikings home, they are getting the opportunity to continue their pursuit of a professional football career this year with the Alliance of American Football league.

The new football league features a number of former Vikings including running back Matt Asiata, wide receiver Charles Johnson, and punter Jeff Locke.

On Sunday, Johnson had himself a very impressive performance for the AAF’s Orlando Apollos in their 37-29 win over the San Antonio Commanders.

In his second game with the Apollos (led by head coach Steve Spurrier), the former Minnesota receiver hauled in seven passes for 192 yards and one touchdown. Johnson has emerged as Orlando’s deep threat on offense as two of his seven catches on Sunday resulted in gains of 45 yards or more.

In two games with the Apollos this year, the former Vikings receiver leads the team in both catches (11) and receiving yards (252).

Johnson has definitely taken full advantage of his opportunity from the AAF to continue playing professional football in 2019. If he keeps it up, there’s a good chance that he’ll be back suiting up for an NFL team next season.

Johnson spent three years with Minnesota after the team signed him in 2014. The Vikings had high hopes for him after he finished with 31 catches for 475 yards and two touchdowns in his first season with the team despite only starting six games.

Unfortunately, Johnson was never able to blossom into the receiver that Minnesota wanted and the team let him walk after his contract ran out in 2017.

Since leaving the Vikings, the 29-year-old receiver has had stints with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets. Despite his efforts, Johnson has not played in a meaningful NFL game since Week 17 of the 2016 season when he was still with Minnesota.