Even though Will Johnson’s junior year was affected by injuries, he still made a big impression in the 2025 NFL Draft. Thanks to his outstanding past performances — including helping the Wolverines win the national title during the 2023–24 season — he was selected early in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals.
His close friend, Mason Graham, made his own waves, going fifth overall to the Cleveland Browns. But what really touched hearts was when Graham returned to the green room to support Johnson, who was still waiting to hear his name called.
Mason Graham Explains Why He Stayed With Will Johnson
Fresh from his media duties after being selected by the Browns, Maham chose to spend the rest of the evening with his friend. Some might see it as a gesture of sympathy, but for true friends, it’s just what you do.
The Cardinals eventually took Johnson in the second round, capping a nerve-wracking wait. But the simple act of friendship by the 21-year-old went viral on social media.
Whether you call it sportsmanship or friendship, fans loved the moment. One X user wrote, “Home run pick! Love this kind of attitude!”
Home run pick! Love this kind of attitude!
— dieharddawg (@Congo718) April 27, 2025
Another praised it as part of Michigan’s culture: “Hope he’s the difference-maker for the Browns.”
Michigan culture, hope he’s the diff maker to the Browns
— Tyler Bmw (@Agent127Wolv) April 27, 2025
Some reactions were a bit mixed.
One user wrote, “Oh wow, he hung out with his teammate who was in the same building? Y’all reaching on this one.” But many others celebrated the gesture. Another fan said, “True Michigan man. Love this so much.”
True michigan man love this so much
— Cody Wiseman (@codydubb51017) April 27, 2025
Some fans even said it shows how well he was raised, writing, “I’ll take him as a teammate and a neighbor. Great pick, probably good parents!”
Others called his choice to wait with his friend a “class act.” Meanwhile, Michigan fans proudly cheered for their program, saying, “Michigan’s culture tops every other program, and it’s not even close 〽️❤️.”
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Either way it’s broken out, the Michigan fans who have turned Cleveland Browns fans were sold on Graham, and that’s half the battle of draft night.
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