logo
Former Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson comments on his 2017 AFC Wild Card sack of Marcus Mariota

Former Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson comments on his 2017 AFC Wild Card sack of Marcus Mariota

USA Today4 days ago
This week, Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Kansas City Chiefs legend and franchise leader in tackles, Derrick Johnson, about his new children's book, 'Super DJ Saves Field Day,' Defend The Dream Foundation, and his memorable sack of Marcus Mariota in the 2017 AFC Wild Card playoffs.
"Right now, the littles (Derrick's children) love it because their names are in the book. But at the beginning of the book, it says, hey, you know, this is Derrick Johnson and Brittni Johnson, and this is their family, and they have six kids. They're like, Oh, snap, that's us right there. So that's kind of cool." said Johnson, "So that made them be like, alright, that I got the upper hand for them to really dive into the book, and they enjoy it because now they know it's about Dad and it's, it has them at the beginning of the book and the end of the book. So it's kind of cool. Cool seeing their reaction. I'm talking about the littles, the big boys. They're like, Oh, that's cool. They read it, but it's mainly for little kids."
Johnson had eight tackles in the 2017 AFC Wild Card Game and sacked quarterback Marcus Mariota in an electrifying manner that could have resulted in a turnover. The Chiefs' 22–21 loss to the Tennessee Titans also served as Johnson's last with the team after 13 seasons.
"When you're at home and in the playoffs, up 21-3, you book it. I don't care if it's the end of the second or third quarter. I don't care what it is. You figured out how to win the game; unfortunately, we didn't. Some things happened in that game, where, if they go our way, we probably win," said Johnson, "I'm always reminded by Chiefs fans when I see them play. 'Man, that Mariota hit.' That Titans game in 2017 was tough. It was obviously a bad call. They look at it now and, like, there's no way you call that. I think they called it forward progress. I mean, it was a hit-and-out. I had a really good game, my last game as a Chief, and, man, I got some really good championship moments. Never won the big one at the Chiefs, but was there for 13 years. So I learned a lot and was blessed a lot."
Super DJ Saves Field Day, an inspiring story about a dad-turned-superhero who flies in and helps kids overcome challenges and find their own super powers, will be released under Black Rose Writing.
Super DJ Saves Field Day is available on August 7th. Follow the link to order now!
Check the website for more information on Derrick Johnson's Defend The Dream Foundation.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

New Orleans Saints' Tyrann Mathieu makes career decision official
New Orleans Saints' Tyrann Mathieu makes career decision official

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

New Orleans Saints' Tyrann Mathieu makes career decision official

Tyrann Mathieu has officially announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons, ending one of the most impactful defensive careers of his generation. The news broke late Tuesday night, July 22, 2025, just as the New Orleans Saints were preparing to open training camp. ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the retirement via Mathieu's agent on X. Mathieu walks away with 180 career games, 834 total tackles, 36 interceptions, 100 passes defended, 11 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and eight recoveries. A three-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team All-Pro, he also won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 and earned a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Nicknamed the 'Honey Badger' for his relentless playing style, Mathieu first rose to prominence with the Arizona Cardinals before making stops with the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, and finally his hometown New Orleans Saints. He was known not only for his elite instincts and versatility but also for his leadership and intensity. Mathieu's retirement leaves a major hole in the Saints' secondary. New Orleans was counting on him to be the anchor in a safety room that recently added veteran Justin Reid and rookie Jonas Sanker. As Caleb Yaccarino of Canal Street Chronicles wrote, Mathieu was expected to serve as the defensive quarterback, helping bridge the gap between a young secondary and a new coaching staff under first-year head coach Kellen Moore. Still, there's a financial silver lining. According to Nikhil Mehta of Pro Football Rumors, Mathieu had restructured his deal this past March to a one-year, $4 million contract. His retirement now frees up approximately $23.8 million in cap space for the Saints heading into 2026. That financial flexibility could allow New Orleans to address other roster needs, especially on defense. Mathieu's career earnings sit just below $100 million, and his Hall of Fame case is already gaining traction. Nick Shook of noted that Mathieu's unique ability to play multiple roles in the secondary and generate turnovers made him one of the most valuable defenders of the past decade. Jason Owens of Yahoo Sports echoed that sentiment, calling him a strong Hall of Fame candidate with a résumé built on versatility, leadership, and winning. While his retirement does leave a leadership void on the Saints' defense, the timing allows the team to pivot and invest in its future. Mathieu, meanwhile, departs on his own terms as a Super Bowl champion, an All-Decade defender, and a hometown hero in New Orleans. And whether it's now or in five years, it feels like only a matter of time before we start calling him what he's earned the right to be: Hall of Famer Tyrann Mathieu.

Training camp kickoff with NFC North key storylines and team previews
Training camp kickoff with NFC North key storylines and team previews

Yahoo

time8 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Training camp kickoff with NFC North key storylines and team previews

Football is back! On this training camp edition of '1st & North,' we preview the NFC North teams: the Lions face a year of reckoning with some debating OC John Morton is a key X-factor, while Bears' Ben Johnson aims to build dynasties. The Packers see Jordan Love drop in NFL Top 100 rankings and invest big in Zach Tom, with a player calling a Bears win "lucky." We also provide a legal update on Vikings WR Jordan Addison and analyze NFC North roster rankings.

Jimmie Johnson says he could run more NASCAR Cup races in 2026
Jimmie Johnson says he could run more NASCAR Cup races in 2026

NBC Sports

time9 hours ago

  • NBC Sports

Jimmie Johnson says he could run more NASCAR Cup races in 2026

Seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, who has run only two Cup races this season, says 'there's a chance that I run more races next year.' One of those races, he hopes, will be the inaugural street race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego next June. That event has special meaning for Johnson, who grew up in El Cajon, California, about 15 miles east of San Diego. Dustin Long, While San Diego would be a special place for Johnson to run his final Cup race next Father's Day (June 21), the co-owner of Legacy Motor Club said he still wants to race more in NASCAR's premier series even as he's set to turn 50 in September. 'I want to keep going,' Johnson said in response to a question from NBC Sports about his future plans. 'I want to stay in a car. I think it's good for us. 'We're hopeful to have a third charter. Need to start building a team. There's a chance that I run more races next year if we have a third charter on the docket and have a sponsor to bring along, team members to groom, a crew chief to get reps, a driver to get reps. There's a lot of scenarios that are in play. I'm hopeful I can keep going. 'I certainly don't want to feed you guys a line of BS here. There is also a scenario where (making San Diego his final Cup start) would make sense. We've put zero effort into the idea yet at this point. I have more years in me. I want to keep going.' Legacy Motor Club hopes to have a third charter next year but that could depend on the court system. Legacy Motor Club has filed a lawsuit against Rick Ware Racing, alleging that Rick Ware Racing is backing out of an agreement signed in March to sell Legacy Motor Club a charter. Rick Ware Racing claims the wrong charter number is listed in the agreement. A trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 26, 2026. Legacy Motor Club filed a lawsuit July 16 against former Spire Motorsports co-owner T.J. Puchyr, who told The Associated Press in June that he had entered into an agreement to purchase Rick Ware Racing. Legacy Motor Club accuses Puchyr of tortious interference after he helped broker the deal between Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing. Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek are Legacy Motor Club's full-time drivers.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store