Diontae Johnson's Cold Weather Aversion Lands Him With Browns, Raises Concerns

Former Baltimore Ravens receiver Diontae Johnson's bizarre 2024 season, marked by a self-confessed refusal to play due to cold weather, has landed him a new opportunity with the Cleveland Browns. Johnson, speaking on the "Sports & Suits" podcast, revealed he declined to enter a Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles because his "legs are already ice cold," fearing a poor performance.

The temperature that day, December 1, 2024, in Baltimore ranged from a high of 44 degrees Fahrenheit to a frigid low of 21 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Johnson's decision resulted in a one-game suspension from the Ravens, who subsequently waived him.

A brief stint with the Houston Texans followed, but Johnson claims he "checked out mentally" after the team prioritized younger players. Houston released him, and the Ravens briefly re-signed him, though he was ineligible for the postseason.

Despite the turbulent season, which saw him haul in 33 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns across three teams, Johnson inked a one-year, $1.17 million contract with the Cleveland Browns in April.

However, history suggests a potential weather problem. Data from the National Weather Service reveals that Cleveland typically experiences colder temperatures than Baltimore during the football season. Between September and November, Cleveland averages four degrees colder, and during December and January, the difference jumps to 6.5 degrees colder.

Whether Johnson can overcome his sensitivity to cold weather remains to be seen, but the Browns are betting on his talent outweighing his thermal discomfort.