ESPN: Eagles' Johnson undergoing chemo

[Mr Cowboy]

Updated: May 18, 2009, 1:25 PM ET

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is taking a leave of absence. Johnson is beginning a second round of chemotherapy to deal with cancer that has confined him to a wheel chair.

Johnson won't coach at the upcoming Organized Team Activities, a three day rookie camp beginning Wednesday.

"I told him to take care of himself first, and when he's ready to come back, come back." Eagles coach Andy Reid said Monday.

"I'd like to tell you he's great, but he's not. He's struggling right now," said Reid, who said he talks to Johnson every day on the telephone. "I told him, when you feel like it, come back."

Sean McDermott will coach the defense in the interim.

 

[theebs]

wow, that is a bummer.

he is really good for the nfl and the eagles. I hope he gets better soon and has a full recovery. The league is only good when it has its best people in it, and jim johnson is one of the leagues best coaches.

 

[Apollo Creed]

wow, that is a bummer.

he is really good for the nfl and the eagles. I hope he gets better soon and has a full recovery. The league is only good when it has its best people in it, and jim johnson is one of the leagues best coaches.

You're exactly right. I have always hated the Eagles/Philly sports in general with a passion, but I've always respected him. Great coach and a really good guy.

 

[trickblue]

Too bad for him and I wish him well. He was someone always worthy of respect in that organization...

 

[jterrell]

If he isn't able to coach this year, the Eagles will suffer.

The guy is one of the 2 or 3 best DCs in football.

 

[dmq]

Terrible news.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I hate to say it, but I don't think this looks very good. I found some articles from just a couple weeks ago where he was coaching from a little motorized cart. Apparently his back hurts so badly, he can barely walk. And it looks like he's lost quite a bit of weight, too.

But at least then, he was still able to be out on the field and things seemed a little more upbeat. Hopefully he hasn't taken a turn for the worse.

 

[Alexander]

If he isn't able to coach this year, the Eagles will suffer.

The guy is one of the 2 or 3 best DCs in football.

Johnson has been one of the greatest defensive minds of this generation, without question. On the other hand, McDermott is thought of very highly as a young coordinator candidate. What helps is that he's been there so long and their system is engrained. I wouldn't expect a complete collapse if he is unable to coach.

 

[zrinkill]

Prayers are with him and his family.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Johnson has been one of the greatest defensive minds of this generation, without question. On the other hand, McDermott is thought of very highly as a young coordinator candidate. What helps is that he's been there so long and their system is engrained. I wouldn't expect a complete collapse if he is unable to coach.

Yeah, but it's happened a million times that a long time assistant who knows the system isn't nearly as good as the guy who was there for years.

"Complete collapse"? Maybe not. But I bet they aren't as good, either.

 

[adbutcher]

It is a real shame. JJ, is a brilliant Defensive Coordinator and I wish him Godspeed for his recovery.

 

[Hostile]

There are very few football coaches that I respect more. I hope he recovers.

 

[Big Country]

Godspeed to Coach Johnson...

I'm sure he has lots of family prayers and support as well.

 

[AsthmaField]

Man, that is terrible. I watched cancer dwindle my father away to nothing before he finally passed away. I hate to see anyone going through something like that.

He is a brilliant defensive mind... probably one of the top 2 or 3 in the NFL.

I really feel for him and his family.

 

[BAT]

Jim Johnson was the best thing about the Eagles organization. His football brilliance was only eclipsed by his professionalism.


Prayers to the coach.



Sidenote: I think McDermott will be good. I wanted him for the Cowboys last season when I thought Stewart would be shown the door. He's had a ton of success coaching up LBs & the secondary. Guy knows coverage and zone blitzing.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

God bless him and his family.

 

[jobberone]

wow, that is a bummer.

he is really good for the nfl and the eagles. I hope he gets better soon and has a full recovery. The league is only good when it has its best people in it, and jim johnson is one of the leagues best coaches.

Absolutely. I sure hope he can come back. What kind of cancer is it?

 

[juck]

thats sad he is a great coach. the eagles defense is gonna really miss this man if he cant come back and coach.

 

[dougonthebench]

I'll have him in my thoughts and prayers.......

 

[Longboysfan]

wow, that is a bummer.

he is really good for the nfl and the eagles. I hope he gets better soon and has a full recovery. The league is only good when it has its best people in it, and jim johnson is one of the leagues best coaches.

Exactly. Some great coaching and schemes there.