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 experience playing for head coach Andy Reid.
“It’s all about doing your best. So, my wife (Brittni Johnson) and I are big on philanthropy, giving back, and being able to attend these schools. We’re like, man, you’re always talking this good talk about how hard they have to work, and they have school, which is important, and all this stuff. And why don’t we write a book together? And the book is mainly about doing your best,” said Johnson, “We’re in a time where you do stuff easier, you do stuff smarter, and you work less. That type of vibe, that microwave mentality, something quick and easy, hard work still pays off. Hard work is something that they are always going to need.”
On January 4th, 2013, Andy Reid signed a five-year contract to become the Chiefs’ head coach, forever changing the franchise’s fortunes.
“I saw Dick Vermeil drafting me, and then he retired a year later. Then Herm Edwards came and came for three years, and then Todd Haley was two and a half years, which wasn’t too good. And then Romeo Cornell just stepped in and was there for a year and a half for us,” said Johnson, “The Eagles, I don’t know how they let Andy go, but we loved it. We needed somebody for our 2013 season, and Andy Reid was available. I mean, when he first walked in, the level of confidence he brings to the table is impressive, given his proven coaching experience. I mean, you talk about a high level. He’s not a screamer, so if Andy Reid is yelling, we’ve got something wrong, we gotta listen up.”
Reid has 273 career victories, trailing only Belichick’s 302, George Halas’ 318, and Don Shula’s 328. The Chiefs won 15 games in 2024, and he’s the franchise’s all-time wins leader.
“He lets us be men; he’s always talking about letting your personality show on the football field. So, whoever you are, be that person out there, of course, within the scheme, but be who you are. For him to always mention, hey, let your personality show out here, allowing you to play to your full potential when you’re out on the football field. He’s just a heck of a guy, man.” said Johnson, “I mean, you talk about, talk about his family, you talk about him and his wife just being able to integrate his family and be able to speak with him one on one regular like, don’t get me wrong, it’s all about football, but he’s a good man that wants everybody to be successful, not just on the field, but off the field. He’s a heck of a guy. Best coach I’ve had. I only had him for five years. I wish I had more. But every year, we were winning games and making it to the playoffs. Unfortunately, as soon as I retired, they won the Super Bowl the next year, but seeing him have a lot of success as an older gentleman, I’m loving it.”
