Sergeant uses gridiron to make kids better players, people
Headquarters Marine Corps
Story by Sgt. Leo A. Salinas

HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS, Washington (Oct. 3, 2005) -- After a hard days work as a career retention specialist at Headquarters Company, Henderson Hall, Sgt. William D. Johnson makes the transition from keeping Marines in the Corps to keeping children focused.

He carries a heavy load as the head coach for the Hawks of the Southern Maryland Youth Association football league – even though all his players are under the 65-pound weight limit.

But the load and the small sacrifices of time and money are worth it for Johnson, who says he has found a path of success in life through the game of football and wants to pass that on to the children he coaches.

Peewee pride

Johnson’s journey into the game of football began in 1986. His small stature and lack of understanding didn't discourage him from joining a local peewee team.

Growing up in Paterson, N.J., there was not much to do and football was a way to steer clear of trouble, he said. Plus, it didn't cost anything to play peewee football.

Johnson joined the Steelers, sponsored by a local soft drink company, but it took a "Bear" to teach him the values of the game.

“As a kid my favorite player was Walter Payton,” said Johnson. “I valued his work ethic.”

The former Chicago Bears running back was known for his fluid style of running and hard hitting, but what interested Johnson about Payton was how he accomplished being the 2nd all-time leading rusher and Hall of Fame inductee.

“I would watch his workout tapes and say to myself ‘he has the heart of a lion,’” said Johnson.

Johnson’s father died before he could see his son play football. But Johnson had the memory of his father for motivation during the games. It was the only family he had while he played throughout high school and three years in college. His family never showed up to his games.

His dream of playing professionally was diminished with his own family responsibilities. He joined the Marine Corps to help support his family, but didn't know the classes he took while acquiring his associate's degree in elementary education would help with coaching children.

A lesson in life

On a cloudy Saturday afternoon Johnson prepares his team for the third game of the season. The anticipation mounts around the players and Johnson starts the slow walk to the field with his team behind him.

And he's nervous.

“Oh yeah, I can’t wait for that first snap.”

The players are not as nervous and it's recognizable on their faces. They joke and let their minds wander on everything except the upcoming football game. After all, the oldest player is only 9.

Johnson uses traits learned in the Marine Corps to help manage the pint-sized players. Through discipline, teamwork and leadership he hopes not only to make the kids better players, but also better people.

“I see little kids and I think about my childhood,” said Johnson. “If I can do something for them, it makes me feel good.”

Win or lose, lessons are learned from all facets of the game. Players are not allowed to taunt and showboat after big plays. If teammates or opposing players get knocked down, they help them up. When his team loses, he teaches them to hold their heads high, learn from the game and use that knowledge to improve.

“I want to win in my heart, but from a kid’s perspective, we teach them winning isn’t everything,” Johnson said. “Once you stop teaching, you stop caring.”

A future through a father figure

Johnson makes it clear to his player's parents that he is charge on the field.

“When the kids are practicing and playing, they belong to me,” said Johnson. “I’m responsible for them.”

After a day of a hard practice or grueling game, Johnson gives one player gets extra attention when he gets home – his son.

Johnson introduced his son to football when was O’Shun 4.

Johnson was playing in a local football league at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. As his son participated in the pre-game stretches and warm-ups with the team, his dad noticed his curiosity of the game.

He didn't want to live his football dreams through his son, so he asked O’Shun if he wanted to play in a peewee league.

O’Shun said, “Yes.”

“He has me and his mom for support and that will help him go a long way,” said Johnson. “I didn’t have that support as a kid.”

That support has developed into a stronger bond between father and son.

“One of the duties of a parent is to be a teacher to their children,” said Latoya Johnson, William’s wife. “William is in a leadership position on the football field, and O'Shun is able to see his father as a leader.”

He has encouraged his son to excel in the sport, but he lets O’Shun explore other avenues of interest as well.

“If he left football, I’d be fine,” he said. “But he’s not just going to stay home; he’s going to stay active.”

The lessons on the field are also making an impact at the home.

“William has made it so easy for me to be the mother of a son, because he has taught him how to be very respectful and how to use good judgment when we aren't around,” said Latoya.

As Johnson is in his son's corner, he will also be there for his other kids on the field.

“Football is my No.1 love," he said. "And to be around kids at the same time, I love it.”

Ellie