Ex-Penn State football DB: ‘NFL teams fear I may not play again’ after injury

It was a challenging draft process for two ex-Penn State football defensive backs. Kalen King a projected first-round draft pick ahead of the 2023 season had to wait until the very end of the 2024 NFL Draft when he had his name called. The Green Bay Packers used a 7th-round pick to select King. His counterpart last season, Johnny Dixon was less fortunate. The former Nittany Lion went undrafted and still has yet to be signed. However, on Thursday he opened up on his current state and his playing future after an injury suffered at the Senior Bowl.

Ex-Penn State football DB: ‘NFL teams fear I may not play again’

Johnny Dixon transferred to Penn State ahead of the 2021 season after starting his career at South Carolina. He worked his way up the depth chart over his three seasons in Happy Valley. Dixon ended his Penn State football career accounting for 60 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions.

Dixon decided to opt out of the Peach Bowl with the Penn State football team to begin training for the 2024 NFL Draft. He did decide to participate at the Senior Bowl where he suffered an injury. But before Thursday, it was unclear how severe that injury was. Dixon shared a recent update on his status with NFL teams.

“For the people asking: I was not drafted and haven’t signed yet due to the injury I sustained in the senior bowl. Teams fear I may not play again. (it had nothing to do with a bowl game.) Thank you to everyone that reached out, I will be back soon,” Dixon wrote on Twitter/X on Thursday afternoon.

For the ppl asking: I was not drafted and haven’t signed yet due to the injury I sustained in the senior bowl. Teams fear I may not play again. (it had nothing to do with a bowl game🤦🏾‍♂️.) Thank you to everyone that reached out, I will be back soon.

— BET ON ME (@JohnnyDixon_) May 9, 2024

Daequan Hardy lands in Buffalo

It’s unfortunate what happened to Johnny Dixon but it’s clear his dream of playing pro football is still his goal. The third member of the 2023 Nittany Lion secondary heard his name called ahead of Kalen King. Nickel cornerback Daequan Hardy was selected in the 6th round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.

You’re in Bills Country 🍗#WeAre x @DaequanHardy x @BuffaloBills pic.twitter.com/9CM8asq74H

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) April 28, 2024

Hardy made the most of his final season in State College. Not only did he account for 22 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 2 interceptions. He also showed off his versatility in the return game, returning 2 punts for touchdowns as a returner.

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