Thinking of Jim Johnson
The Eagles' 67-year-old defensiev coordinator is suffering from a melanoma reccurrence that is threatening his life, particularly because of a bone tumor in his spine
Thinking of Jim Johnson
Bob Ford, Inquirer Sports Columnist
Thursday is Truth Day because it is when the coordinators sit and answer questions for the media. To be honest, Thursday is only Truth Day because that is when Jim Johnson gives his level assessment of all the transpires in his defensive realm.
Brad Childress used to help the truth quotient, too, when he was offensive coordinator, but new coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is not quite as forthcoming. To be honest, however, Johnson is enough.
Johnson comes from the great, flat Midwestern plains. He was a star quarterback at Missouri and began his coaching career at Missouri Southern. He takes his impartial, unadorned view of the world from those beginnings and from the nearly 50 years he has spent around the game.
When you have played and coached on both sides of the ball, things look a little more even, and Johnson has always viewed his job as simply trying to tilt the odds a bit in his favor. He has done that by being an aggressive risk-taker, a philosophy belied by his placid exterior.
Johnson is in a new game now. The Eagles released the information today that the 67-year-old coordinator is suffering from a melanoma reoccurrence that is threatening his life, particularly because of a bone tumor in his spine. He has already begun radiation therapy to attack the cancer.
When he had to coach from the press box during the playoffs and hobbled around badly with a cane, he said his back was acting up a little bit. Now we know it was much more than that, but it’s no surprise Johnson didn’t make a big deal out of it. Not his style.
People come and go in sports in this town and elsewhere. Johnson is known by reputation, but perhaps not that many fans would know him on the street without his baseball cap. He doesn’t do personal appearances, doesn’t seek out opportunities to be on radio or television. He stars every Thursday in the latest episode of Truth Day, but that’s about it.
Take it from someone who has listened carefully to Johnson, who has enjoyed a few hallway laughs with him and who has admired his steadfast belief in how the game should be played. This is not just a great coach, but a great man, and now he’s in a hell of a fight.
Think of him when you get a chance and offer up a word of hope. He’s going to fight it aggressively, which is the only way he knows to fight. He’s going to bring the house. But having a few friends thinking of him won’t hurt, either.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jim Johnson, beautifully stated Bob.— Will T.- Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach J. Get well soon!— ag
- opie says "good luck bro"— BHite15
- We wish you the best! We hope you beat it and live happily until your 100.— gwinny
- Thoughts and prayers Jim.— rocky sullivan
- As Richie Ashburn used to say, "oh brother". Jim don't quit, we all appreciate the contribution you have made to the team, the fans and the city. Our prayers are with you and your family. GB— vc bear
- Jim, if you dial up the fight against this like you dial up blitzes, you'll be just fine. Hang in there and all blessings.— davesju93
- Jim, you are a man I truly admire. You have every good thought and every heartfelt prayer I can offer.— jjcguitar
- Jim ! Beat your illness then retire ! I live 26 miles from Penn State and there is nothing sader than an 82 year old coach who should be walking on the beach with his grand-kids instead of walking along a football sideline. Be well. God bless. And move on !— Gringo4
My prayers go out to you Jim Johnson... you've been the biggest reason why the Eagles have been good for so long....— kjuggs77- Get Well Jim! You're the steady rock on this team and you and your family our in our prayers! Fly Eagles Fly!!— F15EMoose
- Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Bob. Mr. Johnson, the way you have carried yourself in public has always been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to me. You will beat this and coach for many more years.— gmcd
- My dad had Melanoma cancer and it was also metastized in his lower back. After a few months of "back pain" he finally got diagnosed. he died a few weeks later after only a few radiation treatments. Everyday was worse than the day before. I wish JJ the best and hope he can win the battle but I am guessing his chances of being alive by training camp are grim. Melanoma is a horrible cancer to have. Their basically is no survival rate after it metasticizes
- You're an inspiration, Coach. Best of luck.
- Really sad.— G
