Ben Johnson Sends a Five-Word Bombshell Message to Detroit Lions Star Amon-Ra St. Brown Before Game Day

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, every decision, every play, and every word can carry significant weight. Coaches and players alike understand the importance of maintaining focus, discipline, and unity as they prepare for each game. However, even in this disciplined environment, moments of tension or motivation can arise, sometimes expressed through brief but impactful messages. Recently, a compelling example of this occurred when Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson delivered a succinct yet powerful five-word message to star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown before a pivotal game.

The buildup to this encounter has been intense, with both players and coaches aware that the upcoming game could serve as a defining moment in the Lions’ season. The team has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced challenges that threaten to derail their momentum. With playoff aspirations on the line, every detail counts, and Johnson’s words to St. Brown have become a focal point of intrigue among fans and analysts alike.

The Context of the Message

To understand the significance of Ben Johnson’s five-word message, it is essential to consider the context in which it was delivered. The Lions have been striving to establish their identity as a potent offensive force, relying heavily on the versatility and talent of Amon-Ra St. Brown. Known for his precise route running, reliable hands, and ability to make plays in critical moments, St. Brown has become a cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive scheme.

Leading up to game day, however, there have been moments of inconsistency. Defensive schemes have begun to adapt, and opponents have targeted St. Brown more aggressively, attempting to limit his impact. Recognizing this, Johnson has been working closely with his star receiver, refining routes, and devising new strategies to maximize their effectiveness.

It was during a team walkthrough on the morning of game day that Johnson approached St. Brown privately. The atmosphere was tense but focused, with the team intent on executing their game plan flawlessly. Johnson’s message, though brief, was delivered with deliberate intent, encapsulating a core principle he believed essential for St. Brown’s success and the team’s victory.

The Content of the Message

What exactly did Johnson say? The five words, though simple, conveyed a powerful message: “Trust your instincts, make plays.” This phrase encapsulates a philosophy that emphasizes confidence, improvisation, and belief in one’s innate abilities. It encourages St. Brown to rely on his natural instincts rather than overthinking, especially in high-pressure situations.

This message reflects Johnson’s coaching style, which balances disciplined scheme execution with the freedom for players to adapt and make individual decisions on the fly. By urging St. Brown to trust his instincts, Johnson is empowering him to seize opportunities and take calculated risks that could turn the tide of the game.

The significance of these five words extends beyond mere tactical advice. They serve as a mental rallying cry, reinforcing confidence and reducing hesitation. In a sport where split-second decisions can determine the outcome, fostering a mindset of trust in one’s skills is invaluable.

The Impact on Amon-Ra St. Brown

Following the exchange, sources close to the team indicate that St. Brown responded positively. The message resonated deeply, serving as a reminder of his talent and the trust his coaches and teammates place in him. It appeared to bolster his confidence, allowing him to approach the game with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.

During the game, St. Brown demonstrated the fruits of this mental shift. He was more assertive in his routes, made several key catches in tight coverage, and showcased his ability to adapt when plays didn’t develop as planned. His performance was a testament to the effectiveness of Johnson’s message, underscoring the importance of mental preparation and self-trust in football.

Teammates and coaches also observed a heightened sense of focus and calmness in St. Brown throughout the game. This collective attitude contributed to the Lions’ offensive success, ultimately playing a crucial role in their victory.

The Broader Significance

Ben Johnson’s five-word message highlights a fundamental aspect of sports psychology and coaching philosophy. In high-performance environments, mental resilience, confidence, and instinctual decision-making are often as critical as physical skill. By distilling his advice into five impactful words, Johnson exemplifies how concise communication can inspire and motivate athletes in meaningful ways.

Moreover, this moment underscores the importance of trust within a team. When coaches empower players to trust their instincts, they foster a sense of ownership and confidence that can elevate individual and collective performance. It also demonstrates the value of personalized coaching, where understanding an athlete’s mindset allows for tailored messages that resonate deeply.

This incident has resonated beyond the Lions’ organization, serving as a reminder to athletes and coaches across sports about the power of concise, purposeful communication. It emphasizes that sometimes, fewer words—when chosen carefully—can have a profound impact on performance.

Looking Ahead

As the Lions move forward in their season, the significance of Johnson’s five-word message will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment. It exemplifies the blend of strategic planning and mental conditioning required for success at the highest level of football.

For Amon-Ra St. Brown, this incident may serve as a catalyst for continued growth, confidence, and leadership. His ability to trust himself and execute under pressure will remain vital as the team aims for their postseason goals.

Meanwhile, Ben Johnson’s approach demonstrates the value of intentional communication and the importance of fostering a mindset of trust and self-reliance among players. As teams continue to evolve, the art of motivational messaging—no matter how brief—will remain a crucial element in achieving victory.

In conclusion, the story of Ben Johnson’s five-word bombshell message to Amon-Ra St. Brown encapsulates the essence of effective coaching: concise, impactful, and rooted in trust. It reminds everyone involved in sports that sometimes, the smallest words can inspire the biggest performances. As Detroit Lions fans celebrate their recent successes, they can also appreciate the subtle yet powerful influence of words that motivate, empower, and ultimately lead to victory.

On Ben Johnson’s return to Detroit, Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown said, “We’re all jeering him.

When the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator returns to Ford Field in Week 2, Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson shouldn’t anticipate a warm welcome. Amon-Ra St. Brown, a wide receiver for the Lions, will guarantee it.

“Week two is going to be quite hectic. I swear to you. In a recent episode of the “St. Brown Podcast,” St. Brown stated, “It’s going to be so electric.” However, we start jeering Ben (Johnson) as soon as he enters the room. I don’t care. We’re all jeering at him.

“Yeah, he (Johnson) said it’s going to be lit, I’m not going to lie,” responded Bears receiver Rome Odunze, who was a guest on the show. I’m here for it, too.

In 2024, Johnson led Detroit’s top-ranked offense. The Bears hired him to take Matt Eberflus’ spot as head coach. Johnson is 39 years old. Prior to being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022, Johnson had been with the Lions since 2019 as a quality control coach.

St. Brown remarked, “I just want to be a fly on the wall in his meeting room.” How does he perform as head coach? That’s not you, dawg, like Ben. Ben, please stop behaving this way; I know you.

Week 1 is over, week 2 is here which means Ben Johnson’s return to Detroit is up next 🍿 pic.twitter.com/bSmqUoHLSi

— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) September 9, 2025

Both the Bears and the Lions have disappointing losses in their first two games going into Week 2. The Bears lost 27-24 to the Minnesota Vikings, who started quarterback J.J. McCarthy for the first time, after blowing a 17-6 lead in the fourth quarter. The defending NFC North champion Lions, however, lost 27–13 to the Green Bay Packers after being outmatched and failing to score a touchdown until the game was already lost.

Prior to accepting his first head coaching position, Johnson had been a longtime associate of Lions coach Dan Campbell. In addition to their four years together in Detroit, they worked with the Miami Dolphins for four years. In 2015, Johnson replaced Campbell as tight ends coach after Campbell was elevated to interim coach.

Johnson discussed his learnings from working with Campbell earlier this week, saying, “I’ve learned from everybody that I’ve been around, the good and the bad and everything in between.” “There, I definitely learned a lot of lessons.”

Even though Johnson coaches in the NFC North, Campbell stated that he will always think of Johnson as a friend.

“Listen, my friend is Ben. I will always be friends with him. However, Campbell stated that nothing would change in that regard. It is imperative that we win this game, thus we are preparing to play Chicago. They’re going to try to do the same thing, so we need to figure out how to clean things up and get things done. It seems to happen every week.

At 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, the Bears vs. Lions game will begin.