Chiefs legend Derrick Johnson discusses his new book, reflects on his NFL career
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 journey to becoming a Pro Bowler in the NFL."I know the platform I have a great influence on their lives, and being able to tell them things that will help them be successful in life in sports or not, actually in the classroom, some things, some values that I cherish from when I grew up." said Johnson, "My mom's a school teacher for a long time, over 40 years. So, being able to get the right values at a young age allows me to help the kids out because I've been in their seats before. I also have my foundation (Defend The Dream Foundation) and attend various schools, even if they're not affiliated with my foundation. I'm always interested in working with high schools, junior highs, and elementary schools, helping to motivate students. My book (Super DJ Saves Field Day) is a prime example of my wife and me writing. It is a prime example of something they can take home and remember."
The Chiefs selected Johnson with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft. In his 13 seasons with the Chiefs, he became the franchise's all-time leading tackler, although his tenure didn't start smoothly."It was actually a little slower for me, believe it or not. I didn't start getting All-Pro seasons and Pro Bowl statistics and all that stuff until my sixth year in the NFL. So I'm a first-round pick, and usually, that stuff comes a lot quicker. But for me, I had some growing pains. Not that I was doing badly. I was playing, obviously doing some great things, but I didn't quite put it all together yet. I had an adverse moment my fifth year in the league; I got benched." said Johnson, "So being able to have that year, that fifth year in the league, being a first round pick is kind of like that's a big deal to get benched and being able to claw my way out of there, be able to be a better player on and off the field after my fifth year. That's where all my success came from. When you consider four Pro Bowls, two All-Pro seasons, and the Chiefs' all-time leading tackler-breaking records, I credit that to the adversity I faced in my fifth year. So when you talk about going back even to the book and working hard, man, it has many benefits later on in life if you have those attributes and characteristics."
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.
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