Paris Johnson Jr. Confident He’ll Become One of NFL’s Elite Tackles in Reunion With Former Ohio State Coach Justin Frye

When the Arizona Cardinals drafted Paris Johnson Jr. with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they were betting on much more than just size, strength, or athleticism. They were investing in potential—specifically, in the kind of potential that had been forged and refined at Ohio State under the tutelage of offensive line coach Justin Frye.

Now, just two years into his NFL career, Johnson finds himself on the cusp of what he believes could be a defining chapter—not just for his own trajectory but for the trajectory of a franchise in transition. As fate would have it, Johnson is reuniting with Frye in Arizona, with the Cardinals hiring him as their new offensive line coach this offseason. For Johnson, it’s more than a homecoming. It’s a launchpad.

“I always believed in what Coach Frye saw in me,” Johnson said during a recent press conference following voluntary workouts. “He helped shape my mindset, my footwork, and how I prepare mentally. Getting to work with him again at this level—it’s a blessing. I truly believe I can be one of the best tackles in the league under his coaching.”

Johnson’s confidence isn’t just rooted in nostalgia. It’s built on the foundation of an already promising rookie campaign. He started all 17 games for the Cardinals at right tackle in 2023, quickly adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. While Arizona endured growing pains as a team during a rebuild year, Johnson was widely seen as a bright spot. He allowed just four sacks on the season, showed poise in his pass sets, and demonstrated improved consistency in run-blocking.

But for Johnson, being “solid” or “promising” isn’t enough. He’s aiming much higher.

“I want to be dominant,” Johnson said. “Not just serviceable. I’m chasing greatness—guys like Trent Williams, Lane Johnson, Andrew Thomas. I want to be mentioned with them.”

That pursuit of greatness now continues under the watchful eye of the same coach who once guided his rise in Columbus. Justin Frye, hired away from Ohio State this offseason after a successful stint as the Buckeyes’ offensive line coach and run game coordinator, is known for his development acumen and rapport with players. During his time in Columbus, he helped produce multiple NFL-caliber linemen, but his relationship with Johnson was particularly notable.

Frye saw the makings of a special player early on in Johnson, who originally committed to Ohio State in 2019 and became a starter by 2021. Under Frye, Johnson shifted from right guard to left tackle, becoming a consensus All-American and team captain. His blend of leadership, intelligence, and technique made him an obvious first-round projection.

“Paris is one of those guys you dream about coaching,” Frye said in an introductory interview with the Cardinals. “He’s not just physically gifted—he’s all in. He wants to be great, he puts in the work, and he listens. Now, we get to pick up where we left off, only this time, we’re doing it at the highest level.”

The pairing could be critical for an Arizona team banking on internal development as it rebuilds under head coach Jonathan Gannon and quarterback Kyler Murray. With offensive line stability a must for Murray’s health and success, having a dependable and ascending tackle like Johnson—now with his college mentor back in the building—is an invaluable asset.

“Continuity and trust matter so much on the offensive line,” Gannon noted. “Bringing in Coach Frye gives us that trust, especially with a young foundational piece like Paris. Their relationship gives us a jumpstart.”

Johnson, now entering his second year, is expected to shift to left tackle full-time—his natural position from his All-American days. It’s a move the Cardinals hope will elevate both his comfort level and the unit’s overall ceiling. The franchise hasn’t had a franchise-caliber left tackle since the twilight of Jared Veldheer’s career. In Johnson, they’re banking on not just filling a need but redefining the position.

“I’ve trained to be a left tackle all my life,” Johnson said. “I embraced right tackle last year because that’s what the team needed. But now that I’m flipping back, it’s go time. I’m working every day to own that edge.”

Those close to Johnson say his work ethic and leadership are just as impressive as his physical tools. Even before his rookie season began, he was organizing offseason workouts, studying film of NFL greats, and staying late after practice to refine technique. Teammates regularly describe him as “obsessed” with improvement—a trait Frye believes will make the difference in the long run.

“There’s talent all over this league,” Frye said. “But the ones who truly stand out are the ones who never stop learning. Paris is that guy. He wants to be coached hard. He wants to be challenged. That’s rare.”

Johnson’s path to NFL stardom also includes a deep sense of purpose beyond football. At Ohio State, he was recognized for his philanthropy and community work, launching the Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation to support veterans and disadvantaged youth. That passion hasn’t waned. In fact, he says the platform the NFL provides has only amplified his desire to make an impact.

“I’ve always believed I was put here to do more than just play football,” Johnson said. “Football is the stage, but my purpose is bigger—giving back, inspiring, being a role model. Coach Frye always encouraged that in me, and that’s why this reunion is so powerful. It’s full circle.”

With a new season approaching, expectations are rising—not just for Johnson but for the Cardinals as a whole. The 2024 draft yielded more weapons and protection for Kyler Murray, including first-round receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., another former Buckeye. There’s a growing belief in the building that Arizona’s rebuild may be accelerating faster than outsiders realize.

And at the center of that hope stands Paris Johnson Jr.—now armed with experience, confidence, and a coach who knows exactly how to get the best out of him.

“You never forget the ones who believed in you first,” Johnson said. “Coach Frye saw something in me as a kid. Now we get to chase greatness together again. And I’m ready.”

If Johnson’s trajectory continues, that chase might not take long. The road to becoming one of the NFL’s best tackles is filled with pressure, setbacks, and scrutiny. But with a trusted coach in his corner and a fire to prove he belongs in elite company, Paris Johnson Jr. just might be the next dominant force anchoring an NFL offensive line—for years to come.