Paris Johnson Jr. Confidently Predicts Major Leap in Development as He Reunites with Former Mentor and Trusted Offensive Line Coach Justin Frye.

Paris Johnson Jr., the talented offensive lineman with sky-high potential and an unwavering work ethic, has never shied away from setting ambitious goals. As he eyes the next stage of his NFL career, Johnson finds himself at a pivotal crossroads — one that reunites him with a familiar and deeply influential figure from his college days. With Justin Frye now entering the picture once more, Johnson is embracing the reunion with a sense of excitement, renewal, and determination. He firmly believes that this partnership will unlock new levels in his development, both technically and mentally. And for Johnson, this isn’t just about polishing fundamentals — it’s about becoming one of the league’s elite linemen.

The Arizona Cardinals selected Johnson sixth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, impressed with his size, athleticism, and versatility. As a rookie, he held his own under pressure, starting all 17 games and showcasing glimpses of his high ceiling. But Johnson isn’t one to settle. He knows that his best football still lies ahead, and in his eyes, no coach is better suited to help guide him there than Justin Frye, who recently joined the Cardinals’ staff after a successful tenure at Ohio State.

The bond between Johnson and Frye was forged in Columbus, where Frye served as Ohio State’s offensive line coach and eventually offensive coordinator. Under Frye’s tutelage, Johnson transitioned smoothly from guard to left tackle, gaining critical experience and refining the intricacies of his game. The partnership was marked by trust, accountability, and mutual respect — three traits Johnson now considers cornerstones of his growth.

It’s no coincidence that Johnson’s most confident, technique-sound performances at Ohio State came while working with Frye. The coach’s attention to detail, relentless emphasis on fundamentals, and clear communication style meshed perfectly with Johnson’s drive to improve. Their relationship extended beyond the field, with Frye often taking time to review film with Johnson, correct flaws, and instill a mindset of professionalism that the young lineman has carried into the NFL.

Now that they’re reunited in Arizona, Johnson anticipates a significant leap in his performance. He’s older, stronger, and more experienced — but more importantly, he’s returning to a system that understands how to harness his full potential. Frye’s presence brings a sense of structure and familiarity, which can be invaluable in the high-stakes environment of professional football. For Johnson, it’s like stepping back into a comfortable yet challenging learning environment, where expectations are high and support is ever-present.

Johnson’s rookie season wasn’t without its challenges. The Cardinals struggled throughout the 2023 campaign, and the offensive line often faced intense pressure from elite defensive fronts. Yet even amid adversity, Johnson never folded. He maintained his composure, learned from his mistakes, and embraced the grind. His resilience didn’t go unnoticed — teammates, coaches, and analysts alike praised his maturity and commitment to improvement.

Still, Johnson is his own toughest critic. He recognizes the areas that need refinement: hand placement, footwork, pad level, and consistency in pass protection. That’s where Frye comes in. The coach’s analytical approach and deep understanding of offensive line mechanics will be critical in helping Johnson fine-tune his game. And because the two already share a shorthand from their time at Ohio State, they can bypass the early hurdles that often come with new player-coach relationships.

For Johnson, this reunion is about more than football mechanics — it’s also about mentorship and guidance. Frye has long been a stabilizing force in his career, someone who believed in his talent and challenged him to be better every day. That kind of belief is powerful. It fuels confidence, builds mental toughness, and creates an environment where players can thrive. Johnson knows that Frye won’t let him plateau. If anything, he expects the coach to be even more demanding, knowing what Johnson is capable of achieving.

Beyond the individual growth, Johnson is also thinking about the broader impact on the Cardinals’ offensive line. Continuity and cohesion are vital in the trenches, and having a coach like Frye could be the glue that brings the unit together. His track record of developing linemen, fostering leadership, and instilling discipline bodes well for Arizona’s hopes of rebuilding a formidable front. Johnson is already emerging as a vocal leader among the group, and his renewed connection with Frye positions him to be a catalyst for change.

What makes Johnson’s perspective so compelling is his introspective nature. He understands that talent alone won’t get him where he wants to go. It takes preparation, humility, and a willingness to adapt. That’s why he’s embracing the details this offseason — every rep in the weight room, every film session, every practice snap. He’s not chasing headlines; he’s chasing greatness. And he knows the path to that goal is built one detail at a time, one drill at a time.

Johnson has also spoken openly about the gratitude he feels toward Frye. He credits the coach with pushing him out of his comfort zone, challenging him to play multiple positions, and teaching him how to lead by example. That foundation, built during the high-pressure moments of Big Ten football, is now paying dividends in the NFL. Johnson isn’t just a promising young lineman — he’s a student of the game, eager to absorb more, driven to perfect his craft.

His long-term vision is clear. Johnson wants to anchor the Cardinals’ offensive line for years to come. He wants to earn Pro Bowl honors, lead playoff runs, and become one of the most respected linemen in the game. But most of all, he wants to be someone younger players look up to — not just for his play on the field, but for how he carries himself off it. That sense of responsibility fuels his daily efforts and underscores the importance of having someone like Frye in his corner.

The NFL is a league of margins. The difference between good and great often comes down to the smallest of details. In that sense, Johnson’s reunion with Frye isn’t just a feel-good story — it could be a turning point in his career. With the right coaching, the right mindset, and the right system, Johnson believes he’s ready to take that next step. And if his college career under Frye is any indication, there’s every reason to believe he will.

Fans in Arizona are already taking notice. Johnson’s work ethic, humility, and leadership have endeared him to teammates and supporters alike. His commitment to the franchise and to his craft is evident in everything he does — from early-morning workouts to staying late for extra reps. Now, with Frye back in the fold, the buzz around Johnson is only growing.

There’s a quiet intensity about him — the kind that comes from knowing you haven’t arrived yet, but you’re well on your way. Johnson isn’t focused on comparisons or expectations set by others. He’s focused on his own standard — a standard that demands constant improvement and maximum effort. And in Justin Frye, he’s found a coach who shares that same standard, someone who won’t settle for anything less than excellence.

In the end, it’s that shared vision that makes this reunion so powerful. It’s not just about Xs and Os. It’s about trust, growth, and the pursuit of something greater. Paris Johnson Jr. isn’t just looking to improve — he’s looking to elevate every part of his game, and he knows exactly who he wants by his side as he does it. The road ahead won’t be easy, but for Johnson, that’s part of the appeal. The challenge drives him. The opportunity inspires him. And with Justin Frye now back in his corner, Paris Johnson Jr. is ready to level up in every way that matters.