Chiefs legend Derrick Johnson reveals his mindset on retiring, Defend the Dream Foundation
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 realization that he would leave Kansas City after 13 seasons.
"Defend The Dream Foundation caters to inner city kids through education. But what we do is go to Title I elementary schools in low-income areas and do library makeovers at their school. We add nice paint on the walls, comfortable furniture, rugs, bean bags, and a space that's specifically designed for kids. "We make it look nice and bright so it's conducive to learning," said Johnson. "We give them over 1,000 age-appropriate books, new books that they can read and do independent reading." Do anything that they need to have more resources to help them to read better, because we know there's a bad stat in the reading column; we talk in low-income areas; if they're not on grade level reading by the time they leave elementary school, half of them don't finish high school. So that's a big deal."
Johnson ended his Chiefs playing career after the 2017 AFC Wild Card loss to the Tennessee Titans, but played one more season with the Oakland Raiders in 2018. He would eventually return to Kansas City to sign a one-day contract to retire with the team for which he holds the franchise record for tackles.
"I was hoping it wasn't (my last game in Kansas City). But there was a reality check at the beginning of the (2017 Wild Card) game, like, this could be my last time breaking it down as a group," said Johnson, "At the moment, you don't know. Playing for 13 years, it seems like it never ends. So it's hard to say this is my last one, but 'Father Time' has gotten to me. I wasn't the player I used to be."
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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