Linebacker Derrick Johnson wearing the green dot on Raiders’ defense
Wearing the green dot on game days is not new to linebacker Derrick Johnson. Wearing it on a silver helmet is.
The green dot designates the defensive player with a helmet equipped to receive calls from the sideline, which he relays to teammates. Johnson wore it for much of his 13 seasons with Kansas City — and will do so again in Monday night’s season opener with the Raiders, head coach Jon Gruden confirmed Saturday.
Johnson, 35, signed with Oakland in May, giving him a late start on learning the defense under new coordinator Paul Guenther. Given that and his newcomer status with the Raiders, Johnson said, wearing the dot Monday carries significance.
“I take a lot of pride in that,” Johnson said.