LOYALTY OVER LUXURY: Ole Miss DE Cedric Johnson Turns Down $10M NFL Deal to Stay for Senior Season – ‘I’m Not Done Yet’

LOYALTY OVER LUXURY: Ole Miss DE Cedric Johnson Turns Down $10M NFL Deal to Stay for Senior Season – ‘I’m Not Done Yet’

LOYALTY OVER LUXURY: Ole Miss DE Cedric Johnson Turns Down $10M NFL Deal to Stay for Senior Season — ‘I’m Not Done Yet’

By [Your Name]
Oxford, Mississippi – June 13, 2025

In an era when college athletes are seizing million-dollar opportunities the moment they arise, Ole Miss defensive end Cedric Johnson made a stunning decision that turned heads across the college football world: he turned down a projected $10 million NFL contract to return for his senior season.

The 6-foot-3, 265-pound edge rusher, widely regarded as a top-15 pick in next year’s NFL Draft, announced at a press conference on Thursday that he would forego early entry into the league and return to Oxford for one final season in red and blue. His reason was simple—but powerful.

“I’m not done yet,” Johnson said, standing alongside head coach Lane Kiffin. “We’ve built something special here. I’ve got brothers in that locker room, unfinished business on the field, and a community that’s had my back since day one. The money can wait. My legacy can’t.”

A Rare Decision in a Money-Driven Era

Johnson’s decision comes as a surprise in an age where athletes are increasingly opting for early draft entry to secure financial security. Projected to earn a signing bonus north of $6 million and a guaranteed rookie contract totaling around $10 million, Johnson could have set himself—and his family—up for life.

Instead, he chose loyalty.

“This wasn’t easy,” Johnson admitted. “I talked it over with my family, my coaches, even some guys in the league. But at the end of the day, I had to ask myself: ‘What do I want to be remembered for?’ And for me, that meant more than just being a first-round pick. I want to win championships. I want to leave this program better than I found it.”

His decision has already sparked waves across college football social media, where fans and analysts alike have praised his loyalty, maturity, and leadership.

Coach Kiffin: “He’s the Heart of This Team”

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was effusive in his praise of Johnson during Thursday’s announcement, calling him “the emotional and physical heart of our defense.”

“This is one of those moments you remember forever,” Kiffin said. “Cedric had every reason to go. He’s got the talent, the grades, and the draft stock. But he chose to come back—not for himself, but for this team. That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of man he is.”

Kiffin also acknowledged that name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals played a role in helping retain top-tier talent like Johnson, but emphasized that the DE’s decision was not about chasing short-term money.

“Sure, NIL helps,” Kiffin said. “But this wasn’t a business deal. It was a heart decision. And you can’t put a price tag on that.”

A Season to Remember Ahead?

Johnson’s return instantly bolsters what was already shaping up to be one of the most formidable defenses in the SEC. He led the team in sacks last season with 11.5 and was a disruptive force against both the run and pass. With his return, the Rebels’ defensive line—paired with standout linebackers and a promising secondary—is now expected to be among the top-ranked units in the nation.