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

USA Today

6 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.