In this day and age, non-college football playoff bowl games have seemingly grown "meaningless." That statement couldn't be farther from the truth, however, in the eyes of Mizzou's defensive end Johnny Walker Jr.
After spending five years with the program, another feat that has become extremely rare in today's college football, Walker wasn't going to miss his opportunity to suit up one final time for the Missouri Tigers. Even if it meant playing through injury.
Following Monday's victory, coach Eli Drinkwitz leaked a bit of surprising information to everyone; Walker had been playing through a serious injury that suffered leading up to the game.
"I thought he wouldn't play," Drinkwitz said. "I told him that if he was my son, I wouldn't let him play. But he said, 'No, I want to play. We'll get it fixed afterwards."
#Mizzou DE Johnny Walker Jr.: "This is the program to be. Best program in the nation." pic.twitter.com/w5BscppBaq
— Nathalie Jones (@NathalieABC17) December 30, 2024
Walker's impact on the Tigers has been drastic, and when he leaves this offseason, it's going to be one of the toughest holes for Mizzou to replace next season. Not just because of his outstanding play, but even more so due to the leadership he brings every time he steps on the field.
"I hope we leave behind a great brotherhood," Walker said. "In years before, it's been toxic. I hope the guys all know what a winning team looks like (now), and they are able to continue the success."
When Drinkwitz arrived to Columbia, Walker was right there with him, and he's been by his side ever since.
Following the Music City Bowl victory on Monday, Drinkwitz jokingly talked about how badly he wants Walker to return again next year.
"I figured the NCAA would just grant everybody eligibility," Drinkwitz joked. "Kind of been kicking down the road a little bit. I just keep hoping that there's some sort of magic that will happen (where Walker can return)."
In Mizzou's 27-24 victory over Iowa, Walker finished the game with two sacks, extending his nation-leading sack streak to seven consecutive games. Those sacks both came at crucial points in the game, garnering momentum for a unit in need of a spark.
"Look at a guy like Johnny Walker," Drinkwitz continued. "You gotta get the quarterback? Just call Johnny. He'll get there."
"I'll always be indebted to him (Walker) for what he's done for my family and what he's done for the program," Drinkwitz said. "Journeys aren't always meant to be together forever. He's going to go start his own path and his own career, and I have no doubt he'll be successful in the NFL."
Whether or not Walker needs to get surgery done on his injury is an unknown, but in the coming months he'll begin preparing to take his talents to the next level in the NFL.