In this year’s NFL Draft three collegiate First-Team All-Americans went unselected. They were Stanford center Chase Beeler, Florida punter Chas Henry and TCU safety Tejay Johnson.
While months and months of scouting denied Beeler and Henry the opportunity to be drafted by a professional club, Johnson opted to not be a part of the process; rather, he retired from football after his senior season to pursue a career in working with the deaf.
It’s rare to stumble upon athletes who find a higher calling than the sport they play; however, it’s quite exceptional to find a collegiate athlete who turns down the opportunity to play in the big leagues in favor of something with a much smaller paycheck and a lot less fame.
Despite leading the nation’s top defense last year and being one of three Jim Thorpe Award finalists—first round picks Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara were the others—Johnson eschewed entering the draft as his life moved away from football and toward his new passion.
He finished his career with a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin, the biggest win in the school’s history, totaling 169 tackles, seven interceptions and five forced fumbles in his career. In the three seasons that Johnson was a starter, TCU led the nation in total defense.
According to the Modesto Bee, Johnson found his calling when he tried talking with his deaf cousin.
“I’d slow my lips down so she could try to read them,” he told the paper. “She could talk a little. She could put together phrases. But it was hard.”
Now with his degree in habilitation of the deaf, Johnson is able to pursue his new dream. Once a young man who dreamed of playing on Sundays, Johnson has gone pro in something else—making a difference in the world.
I’m not suggesting Johnson receive an award for his choice; rather, I am requesting you to read about his tale and tell others about it.
It’s a story that many don’t get to hear in our convoluted, heavily mediated sports world, where names like LeBron James or Alex Rodriguez hog the headlines for selfish and immature reasons.
Despite their athletic abilities and large salaries, it’s hard to really to care for players like James or Rodriquez.
Johnson’s sacrifice reminds us of life’s bigger picture and also displays a large part of humility on his part. After all, he was a fourth-to-fifth round draft prospect, according to Yahoo Sports, who could have been starting in the NFL at this juncture in his young career.
Instead, Johnson is spending his Sunday afternoons providing a service to the handicapped people of America. It’s a sacrifice that should be applauded endlessly. It’s unfortunate the praise has been silent so far.
