Common Sense Note
Brad Johnson keeps slogans and mottos for inspiration. Adults and kids could discuss the meaning of his favorite sayings: "Don't let your passion blind your compassion," and "Even if you are not the best, you can still give it your best."
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Whitney Stewart
Brad Johnson's story is part autobiography, part motivational lecture. Teamed with series author Greg Brown, Johnson uses personal stories to persuade readers to follow their passions and give life their best effort. This preachy style might turn off some kids but inspire others.
Sports fans will love the spunky, colorful style of this book. Johnson's first-person narrative leads the reader from page to page of football action. Small type on the bottom of many pages reveals little-known Johnson facts. And the endmatter offers Brad Johnson career stats and a website list.
From the Book:
Whatever people say about me, I don't let it affect my desire. I compare myself to a duck swimming. Above water ducks appear to glide smoothly. Underwater, their webbed feet are churning.
I'm the same way. On the outside I might look calm, but inside my passion is burning.
It's terrible when a person loses passion and gives up. Soon they don't care about family, don't care about learning, don't care about improving, don't care about the future or themselves.
Never put yourself in a position to look back and say, "I wish I tried harder."
That will never happen if you play with passion.
Plot Summary:
Some great athletes leap into their professional career; some soar. Brad Johnson crawled. Unlucky injuries put him on the bench. The competition sidelined him. But nothing stopped him. Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, population 7,500, Johnson was surrounded by athletes. Both parents taught physical education, and they equipped their son with all the necessary bats, balls, hoops, and mitts.
In high school, Johnson played varsity basketball and football. But by his freshman year at Florida State University, he knew his game was on the field. Becoming starting quarterback was a challenge. Johnson worked with a sports psychologist who taught him focus and dedication. Constant training finally earned him college success and a position with the Minnesota Vikings.
Johnson's NFL career was never magical. Some seasons looked golden until injuries took him out. The Vikings traded him to the Washington Redskins, and later he signed with Tampa Bay. In 2002, Johnson helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl, and Black Mountain, North Carolina welcomed him back as a hometown hero. When his NFL career comes to an end, Johnson just may follow his parents and coach young athletes.
Related Books:
Books by Greg Brown
Eric Gagné: Break Barriers
Vince Carter: Choose Your Course
Sue Bird: Be Yourself
Kristi Yamaguchi: Always Dream
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Social BehaviorBrad Johnson used his student-scholar earnings to create a fund for teachers. He gave much of his NFL salary to charity. |
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