Keeping a Good Head
Upon reaching the end of eighth grade, playing football was the last thing Eddie Johnson wanted to do. However, with a little nudging from the coach, he acquiesced to the request long enough to try out for the team.
“I don’t regret it at all,” Eddie recalled. “When we moved to Midlothian at the end of my eighth-grade year, Coach Clark asked me to try out. I really didn’t want to play football anymore. I was burned out because I had been playing since Little League and wanted to do something else; but I tried out in the ninth grade and made the team. Now I can’t go a day without it.” As a senior this year, Eddie will again play wide receiver for the team.
Since returning to football, the benefits and rewards Eddie receives from being a part of the team are immeasurable. One important way he has reaped benefits is the four-year full scholarship to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, that was offered to him during his junior year in high school. Eddie explained, “Baylor was one of the [football] camps I went to as a sophomore. I talked to the coaches after camp, and they didn’t show a lot of interest. They just said, ‘Good job.’ Later in the season, Coach Clark called me into his office. He told me to sit down. He was looking very mean and I was thinking, What did I do? I thought I was in trouble. He handed me
something and said, ‘I want you to read this,’ and I thought it was something bad. I saw Baylor on it and thought, Oh my goodness! It was a scholarship.”
Smiling, Eddie still speaks of the occasion with awe. He and his parents, Jeanette and Eddie Sr., fully appreciate the opportunity. Although Eddie continues to get calls from other schools, he is committed to Baylor. He said, “I really liked Baylor when I visited. It is only an hour’s drive away, so if I need a home-cooked meal, I can come home and go back. I have seven scholarship offers right now. It’s a verbal commitment to Baylor so other colleges can still talk to me.”
Being courted by so many colleges can be a weighty thing for a young man to handle; however, Eddie’s parents used his experiences to help build his character as he grew up. According to
Eddie, “My mom knew when I was young that I was going to be an athlete because I was tall. She told me to keep a good head. She always says that. The college process is kind of crazy. You have
to be smart and watch what you say.
You have to watch what you do and don’t get big headed about it. Take one step at a time.” In addition to his parents’ support, Eddie enjoys the support of his teammates. “The team at Midlothian High School is more of a brotherhood than any other team I’ve been a part of,” he stated. “Coach Clark is doing a terrific job. The first thing Coach Clark says is we need to get together and be stronger as a group of brothers before we can take on other obstacles. If you have that, you can conquer anything. In doing everything together, you know that in the crunch time of the game you
can count on the person to the left or to the right.”
The team’s sense of brotherhood causes each person to want the best for each other. Eddie remembers how hard they tried to win the last game of the season [last fall] for all of the players
who would graduate. Sometimes, it is during those moments that a player demonstrates his best abilities. Eddie stated, “It was the last game for Bryce [Petty] and all the other senior players.
So, every play I went out there and thought, Man, you really have to work. I did a fade route, which is a straight line where you run down the field, and Bryce threw to me. He overthrew it,
and I jumped over this kid’s head to catch the ball. I felt like everybody gave 100 percent at that game.”
Eddie wants to go to the National Football League (NFL) someday, but realizes the value of a back-up plan. He said, “I want to major in kinesiology in college because I like sports and education. I want to be a coach. My main goal is to be in the NFL, but if not, then I want to be able to interact with kids, I love working with kids.”
Eddie realizes the importance of teamwork whether playing football, being a member of the track team or being involved with his youth group at Cedar Hill Church of Christ. He summarized it by saying, “When everyone is one, it’s like a chain. If the links are strong, you can’t break it.
When it’s time to work, then have the mindset to work harder than the next person. You have to keep that motivation all the way through high school, college and if you make it to the big leagues. I
stress that every day.”
- By Betty Tryon
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Comments
By Jeanette Johnson on September 4th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Eddie your dad and I are so proud of you. Always remember to continue to keep God first and everything else will soon follow. No matter what you decide to do in life, we are behind you one hundred percent. Love you much,
Eddie Sr, Jeanette, and Joseph
By Keiara Allen on September 12th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Congratulations!!!! You probably don’t member me cause its been like 3-5 years since i’ve seen you! But nevertheless, congrats and never settle for anything less than perfection ,you deserve it!!
By A.J Allen on September 12th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Hello, Im aj and my dad is Harry Allen. Congrats on your achievement and i hope someday to follow in your footsteps because i love basketball. im a star basketball player at Valhalla High School and im tall too, 6’3 to be exact! this is my sopohmore year and im working really hard to become the best basketball player i can be! Congrats again!
By Harry and Cecelia Allen on September 12th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
First of all, we want to say Great Job!!!! We are so proud of you. Just remember that school comes FIRST! Don’t loose focus, and stay humble,keep your faith always. Continue to work hard, give a 110 percent to everything you do and you will never go wrong. We are very Proud of you,
Uncle Harry and Aunt Cecelia
By Eddie Alexander on September 20th, 2009 at 12:44 am
Eddie, congradulation. I’m very proud of you. Your Dad and Mom has done a great job with You and Joseph, and I’m proud of them too. This is a great oppurtunity for you, and you deserve it. You’ve been doing all the right things and thinking the right thoughts, so don’t change anything, just develop what you have and believe in God, and yourself. And if you fall just reach out to him and he will help you up, while showing you the pebble that you stumbled on. Always stay prayed up.
Your Uncle
Eddie Alexander
By Helen Allen-Johnson aka Lynn aka Queen on September 21st, 2009 at 11:57 am
Dee-Wow is all I can say; words can’t describe how Proud I am of you! You are an AWESOME young Man…..So many memories flood my mind right now, I still see my cute little chubby cheek newphew!!!!! God gave you the skills and talents that you have and now you must continue to develop those gifts. You are one of the very few young men that have a Dad, Mother, and supportative sibling to encourage you along the way; don’t ever take that for granted…..Always remember that family is ALL that matters………You were born a winner; so NEVER let this world teach you how to lose! I love you and I will always have your back!!!!! Oh yeah-”It ain’t trickin if you gotta”-lol!!! TeeTee-Lynn
By Gloria Rossi on September 21st, 2009 at 1:31 pm
I knew you would become a fine young man because of the way your parents raised you. I know your mother pushed you hard and it sure paid off. I know your parents instilled in you to always put God first, which is the most important thing in life. Just keep on being the great young man you are and do the best you can in all things. I am so proud of you. CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!! Gloria Rossi
By Arthur Alexandwer on September 21st, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Eddie; THEY SAY FRUIT DON’T FALL FAR FROM. THE TREE(TRANSLATION)THE BIBLE SAY YOU CAN TELL A TREE BY THE FRUIT IT BEAR. WHAT I’M TRYING TO SAY IS YOU HAVE A GOOD FOUNDATION (YOUR MOTHER AND FATHER) ALLOW ME TO JUSTIFY MY POINT;JEANETTE HAS ALLWAYS BEEN A QUIET STRONG SISTER,YOUR FATHER HAD TO BE A STRONG BROTHER TO DEAL WITH WOMAN AS SUCH.SO I’M NOT SUPRISE AT THE CHARTER YOU POSSESS AS A YOUNG MAN.
By Mattie Allen (Aunt) on September 21st, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Eddie, this is ‘OUTSTANDING’ you MUST keep up the good work. You have little one’s lives that you have touched along your journey, they are counting on you to lead the way. You have the courage to walk tall and strong or you would have not put you neck on the line to do your very best in which you have and have proved that it can be done. As part of the Allen family ‘WE’ are proud to have you apart of this family. We are a “Strong” family, we may have not accomplished all our goals but our will have passed the baton on to you. All ways know many have tried and fell and it is all up to you to make what you want in life. The road goes two ways… one to the RIGHT and one to the LEFT, think very hard before you make the journey of “All Action has Consequences” GOOD or Not so GOOD. Stand Tall and Proud and Keep Your Head Up. The Sky is the Limit you “CAN’ make (LIFE) of what you what it to be. All ways check with your references … meaning ( Mother and Father) when you are in doubt. Remember, people will tell you anything, but Mother and Father will “Always’ tell you the truth. Never, Never, Never, Forget God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost they ‘Got Your Back.
Love Auntie Mattie
By Barbara Holland on September 21st, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Eddie, this was a great Honor for you, now I expect you to do what you said to keep a level head and go all the way.
I’m the tackler for you, to show you that the path is open only you can go the distance.Three cheers and we are pulling for you .Remember Mom and Dad are right just put their words of wisdom on the shelf and pull down when needed
Love Ya
Aunt Barbara
By marvin alexander on September 21st, 2009 at 8:49 pm
EDDIE: KEEP PRAYING, KEEP BELIEVING: GOD HAS GREAT THINGS IN STORE FOR YOU!
HE CREATED IN YOU A DESIRE TO DO SOMETHING REALLY SIGNIFICANT WITH YOUR LIFE-
HE’S PLACED A UNIQUE DREAM IN YOU HEART. IT’S YOU DREAM AND NOBODY ELSE’S.
YOUR MOM AND DAD HAS GIVEN YOU ALL THE INSIDE INFORMATION THAT YOU NEED. LISTEN TO THEM BECAUSE YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE ALL KIND OF PEOPLE TRYING TO TELL YOU STUFF.STAY HUMBLE AND DON’T FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM. YOU COME FROM A STRONG FAMILY ASK YOUR MOTHER SHE KNOWS.REMEMBER CAN’T NOBODY STOP YOU BUT YOU.STAY PRAYED UP GOD’S GOT YOU BACK.
By Lois Alexander September 22th 2009 on September 22nd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Hello,Eddie JR.Congrations and Best Wishes.
We are so excited for you.Such a well structered article,by juste reading the article I nearly shed tears off joy.
Iremember when you were a very young Lad growing up you were always quiet,humble,so sweet and well mannered.
God has a special Inheritance for the meek and humble.
Remember we can do all things through Christ.
Stay focused on your vision,continue to study on your Journey, keep your grades up, thats number one
Eddie God has great things in store for you,
WHAT EVER HIS WILL AND PURPOSE IS SHALL BE ACCOMPLISHED.
DEE! WE LOVE YOU,
Your Aunt Lois Alexander
By Sandra Alexander on September 23rd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Congratulations Eddie,
I pray that God continues to bless you in your football career. Good job Jeanette and Eddie
Sandra Alexander
(Cousin)
By lois alexander on September 24th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Eddie to your wonderful! parents! and Joseph,
W give God the Glory and Praise,Eddie you and Jeanette,for laying a solid foundation in your Sons lives.
You all are a lovely family.
May GOD continue to smile on you.
Love you Lois,
By Olevia Holland on September 27th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Congratulations! Way to go!
Remember and take to heart the words of your mom & dad: “put GOD first and all other things will follow!”
Keep looking head!
Be Blessed
By Johnny Johnson on September 27th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
I was directed to your article by my sister, your aunt, Lois Alexander. Its always inspiring to read stories about young people who got it right. The road you are traveling, not so long ago I traveled myself. Its an unforgetable experience. As a matter of fact your future head coach, Art Briles was a team mate of mine at the University of Houston. You seem to be a well grounded young man with strong moral fibers. Give praise to GOD and your parents. Keeping your eyes on the prize sometime is going to seem very difficult. Always remember your faith and your parents teachings. Continued success and GOD bless you.
Johnny Johnson
Trustee – Hempstead ISD
By Jeanette Johnson on September 30th, 2009 at 6:19 am
I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks to Betty Tryon, and Now Magazine for the wonderful article you wrote about Eddie. Thank you for what you bring to the Midlothian community with your magazine. I look forward each month to reading it. May God bless you all for what you do!
Many thanks,
Eddie Sr., Jeanette,
Eddie Jr., Joseph
By Elnora Wells on October 1st, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Eddie words cannot begin to describe how proud we are of you. We have watched you grow into a handsome and very respectful young man. The character that you exemplify is a reflection of the awesome job that Eddie Sr and Jeanette has done. Always remember that the sky is the limited. Keep your focus and you will go far in this world.
Congratulations!!!
Oliver Sr, Elnora & Oliver Jr
By Tiffany Govan on October 2nd, 2009 at 8:14 am
Congratulations Eddie! I’m a friend of your Tee Tee Lynn. You are an inspiration to us all, young and old. We can all learn something from you. I pray that you continue to trust in God and follow his directions, and I know you’ll be a success at BAYLOR!
By Lula Johnson Jenkins on October 2nd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Way to go Eddie! This is your cousin Lula, i’m sure you don’t remember me it’s been a few years since i last saw you. But never the less, Congratulations!!!! Life is so short, you have to grab life with both hands and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Stay focused on God and you can’t go wrong. Much success in all you do!!!!!!!!!!!!
By REKISHA JACKSON on October 5th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
CONGRATULATIONS DEE,
THIS IS YOUR COUSIN REKISHA, ESSIE’S DAUGHTER. ALTHOUGH, IT HAS BEEN AWHILE, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU. I PRAY THAT ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE. STAY FOCUSED, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT! YOU HAVE GREAT PARENTS AND I KNOW THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO GUIDE YOU IN THE RIGHT PATH. LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By betty tryon on October 6th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
This was an article that was an absolute joy to write. So many of our youth are taking the wrong path that it is with a sense of eagerness that I can present a good kid to our community. I met Eddie through my daughter Lauren and have always thought he was a fine young man and in reading the comments from family members who have known him far longer than me just cements that impression. When I asked Coach Clark for his best player to feature and without hesitation he said Eddie Johnson. Thank you Eddie and Jeannette for such a wonderful job raising him and bringing him to us! Can’t wait to see the next game!
Betty Tryon
By Keisha Combs on October 9th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
You are blessed to have wonderful parents in your life. They have guide you to be the person you are today. You are a young man that’s heading in the right direction in life. You are entering into a new level of your life now. Remember you must always keep God first and know that you have family and friends that will support you all the way. Just wanting to say congratulations on your accomplishments and keep up the good work.
By Shirley Tatum Harris on October 12th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
This is awesome!!! I know you don’t know me Eddie but your mother and I are good friends. She was the Maid-of-Honor in our (my husband -Ricky) wedding. Although you don’t really know me but I am proud of you. This is a very postive article and I am very glad that your Aunt Helen contacted me on facebook about it. Keep up the good work. I know that you will be successful. Just remember to keep God first in everything you do, he will not let you down.
P.S. Tell your mother I said hello and I know that she and Eddie are proud.