Michigan football legend Will Johnson departs for the NFL

Another Michigan football legend, Will Johnson, has officially declared for the NFL draft.

Mason Graham, the greatest defensive tackle in Michigan football history, declared for the NFL draft earlier this week, as expected.

Now, Johnson, the greatest Michigan football cornerback since Charles Woodson, has followed suit. Some fans have been critical of Johnson, who was limited in his senior season due to an injury.

But Will Johnson was a five-star recruit. He could have gone to Alabama, or Georgia, or really anywhere. But he chose to play for Michigan BEFORE Jim Harbaugh turned it around.

People tend to forget this. Will Johnson nearly committed to Ohio State. Harbaugh was about to get fired but after a 2-4 season, Johnson still committed to Michigan over the Buckeyes, Bama, and everyone else.

So even though J.J. McCarthy gets credit for sticking with Michigan, Johnson should too. He bet on the program and himself, and he was right.

Some people raised eyebrows when he wore No. 2, but Johnson lived up to it. Last season, he had interceptions against Ohio State and in the national championship game. It was Woodson-esque.

Like Graham, Johnson will finish his Michigan football career without ever losing to a rival. He's a two-time Big Ten champion, a national champion, and sure to be a top-10 pick. Johnson finished his career with 68 tackles, four tackles for loss, nine interceptions, 10 passes defended, and three touchdowns.

Johnson will be a franchise cornerstone. That's the kind of player he is and every single Michigan football fan owes him a debt of gratitude.