Don’t Cut this Paris Johnson Jr. Snack Out of Your Draft Plans

First Round Mock’s Victoria Jonach takes a look at what 2023 NFL Draft Prospect Paris Johnson Jr. has been up to off the field.

Thanks to the NCAA, anyone watching the 2023 Draft is covered in terms of snacks this year.

Due to the changes in July of 2021 regarding college athletes’ ability to profit off of their name, image, and likeness (NIL), many are taking full advantage of their new opportunities.

First, fans were surprised with Longhorns’ running back Bijan Robinson’s line of dijon mustard. Now, Paris Johnson Jr. has teamed up with Charqui Jerky to create his own line of beef jerky.

The deal was launched February 1 of this year, and comes in the flavor “sweet and smoky bbq style.” Both Johnson and creator of Charqui Jerky, Matt Salts, collaborated on creating the flavor.

“Paris, and his family, too, they genuinely love jerky,” Salts says. “So, when they reached out, it was an authentic opportunity. They enjoyed the products.”

Johnson and his family have been eating the snack for a while, so working with the company was exciting for them, but also for Salts, who never pictured working with a star of his caliber.

“It’s pretty humbling to work with someone who is as good of a person as Paris and his family are. And it’s pretty humbling that we’ve built something to get to this level.” Salts states to On3.

A portion of the proceeds from every Paris’ Cut sale will go to The Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation and the 2nd & 7 Foundation.

Fans can purchase their favorite offensive tackle’s custom snack on the official Charqui Jerky website. It is also available on Amazon, at United Dairy Farmers locations, and at Giant Eagle stores in Ohio and the surrounding areas.

Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation

His personal collective supports a plethora of disadvantaged groups. Disabled veterans, underprivileged students, supporting local hospitals, and kids in need all benefit from Johnson’s organization. Overall, the operation has helped over five charities, upwards of 100 veterans, and 350+ students. Plus, they have raised over $15k.

Whether this includes spending time with these individuals, promoting organizations, or supporting these groups financially, Johnson is helping out. Recently, the foundation hosted several events including a Christmas toy drive, a youth football camp, a coat drive, and more. 

2nd & 7 Foundation

The other organization part of Johnson’s proceeds go to is the 2nd & 7 Foundation. This program promotes reading by donating books to kids in need. The foundation has donated over half a million books to children around the country since their start in 1999 by former Buckeyes, Ryan Miller, Luke Fickell, and Mike Vrabel (Titans’ Head Coach). 

2nd & 7 hosts events such as weekly readings which student athletes from local high schools and universities help with. These athletes read to younger children, hand out free books, and explain why reading can be of value to younger students.

A Leader On and Off the Field

Due to all of his accomplishments, this Ohio State offensive tackle received the 2022 Armed Forces Merit Award for his work with his foundation. He was also the recipient of the 2022 Consensus All-American award and the All-Big Ten Conference football team in August of this past year. 

Johnson has clearly made a name for himself throughout his career as a college athlete. However, he is also displaying qualities indicative of role models and leaders. Overall, this is almost as important as a player’s ability to represent their team on the field.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated in what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.