Jermaine Johnson has seen it time and time again.

In a tough and physical game, players inevitably sustain injuries and miss time on the field -- the fourth-year player just never envisioned it would happen to him. That all changed during Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, when the Florida State product ruptured his Achilles tendon in the third quarter of a matchup with the Titans and was sidelined for the remainder of the season.

"I used to see guys get injured and be like, 'Oof. Thank God it's not me.' But, it was me," he said. "And I'll be damned if I wasn't strong enough to come back and make sure everything's good."

Johnson's long-awaited return certainly showed his strength. No. 11 took the field for the first time during the final week of training camp, and HC Aaron Glenn was quick to express his excitement after Johnson's athleticism and power was on display during his first sessions back. As he now looks ahead to a Week 1 matchup with the Steelers, the 6-5, 254-pound edge rusher believes everything he navigated over the past year was an essential part of his journey.

"I'm excited but not surprised -- I'd like to say that," Johnson said Tuesday of returning to the field in Week 1. "I know the man God has formed me into, and this was another thing he wanted to put me through to let me hit the next level. And it's even more evident -- even today at practice, I'm doing everything I used to do, I feel better than I did. I'm still explosive. Everything's there. And I can't help but laugh -- now I'm mentally stronger, I'm emotionally stronger, I'm more confident."

Reaching that next level would mean topping a 2023 season in which Johnson earned a Pro Bowl selection after recording career highs in tackles (55), TFL (11), sacks (7.5) and QB hits (16). And while the young veteran is confident he is prepared to produce at that level, his definition of success is first and foremost, about his teammates.

"Just being a pillar for my team," Johnson said of his goals this season. "Close time, crunch time, clutch time -- they look at 11, and 11 comes through. That's a successful season for me. Just being everything that I need to be for this team."

Johnson has already emerged as a leader in the eyes of seasoned Jets and newcomers alike. S Andre Cisco described Johnson as "a great locker room guy" that players gravitate towards, and CB Michael Carter II expressed his excitement about having his long-term teammate back on the field.

"I think he has always been vocal as far as the standard that he has for himself, the standard that's in the D-line room, and the standard that's for the defense," Carter said. "He's never been afraid to not vocalize what we are not doing and that has been since he got here. Now, I think he is even more mature. Understands the defense, understands himself, and he understands who he is and how good of a player he is. So, putting all of those tools together to be the best version of himself, I think it all came together for him. I'm excited to have him back, for sure."

Johnson said his message to his teammates this season will be simple -- "lean on me." His return to the field in Week 1 may come after months of working toward the moment, but his focus remains on the task at hand against a strong opponent at home.

"To be honest, I like to be as stoic as possible in moments like that," Johnson said about making his return. "I like to be bigger than the moment and not let the moment be bigger than me. I have a job to do and I look forward to doing that job."