STL Football Icon Demetrius Johnson was a Generous Soul with a Heart of Gold
Sometimes in life there’s something or someone who knocks you off your feet, or makes you daydream, rethink on the inside, or simply makes you grief stricken like non-other before.
For “DJ”, as he was affectionately known as to so many, we’ve all felt that void above in many ways. In most cases which was all the time, you didn’t have to think about where he was coming from, well, because he told you, good bad ugly or indifferent.
Demetrious had his way with words if you were up early enough to listen to his broadcast you were for sure to be in for a treat. You knew who made the wrong plays or but just got it right like Luther Burden III,, “his big fellow”.
If he allowed you into his space he really was a gentle giant.
If he gave you a hand shake, you knew he had shook your hand.
If you got a bear hug you felt his warm gift of compassion.
Just perhaps his vocalism strived from being the youngest of 8, with mostly older sisters, of course he had to get his point in, non the less he stood on what was right, what was fair and called a spade a spade, again he had his way with words.
Growing up in a St. Louis housing project made him tough inside and out.
He once quoted “you grow up playing football, basketball, baseball or airball in the concrete jungle only the strong survived”.
In part the Dasrt-Webbe projects started his training, his mother gave him and his siblings a foundation of strength, determination and promise.
He took his friends and foes from the concrete jungle and showed them what success can look like.
Graduating from McKinley High School with a full ride to the University of Missouri (Mizzou) College. Thinking back to his early start in football, I’m sure his mother’s words often came to mind ”If you goin’ stand up, you betta stand out!” and on that field his head, heart and goals began to take shape.
Some remember those early days, others remember his days with his janitorial business during his off season, as well a very successful run with Sherwood Medical, now Covidien. But the community at-large reflects a deep testament to his spirit, reaching out to always, always help others.
After the NFL with Detroit Lions and with Miami Dolphins, he anchored down and formed the Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation those efforts drew volunteers from all-over including his celebrity friendships, elected officials, coaches, athletes and those who shared his compassion for his African American communities such as his mother Eddie Mae Binion, an activist raising awareness and fighting housing discrimination for the underserved.
Demetrious and his mother were able to reach thousands of people, who will forever remember him for a knock on their door, finding him standing there with a free turkey basket — acts of charity which he performed for over 25 years.
As you remember him today, remember him calling out you, saying “HEYYY BIG FELLOW I NEED YOUR HELP!” His organization Demetrious Johnson Foundation still does, ‘Big time players make big time plays in big time games, I still need you Big Fellow’…
