(column)
Dillon Johnson didn’t get the fairy tail ending he was hoping for on Monday night. Johnson’s Washington Huskies lost to Michigan 34-13 in the College Football National Championship to the Michigan Wolverines.
But, Johnson sure made all of us proud — like he has always done.
Johnson played Monday’s game with a notable limp the entire night. It was from a leg injury he suffered in the semifinals against Texas in the Sugar Bowl. There was speculation that this injury could keep Johnson out of the game. It would have been understandable if it did because Johnson almost certainly has a future in the National Football League.
But Johnson, a Greenville native who starred at St. Joseph Catholic School, said the day before Monday’s final that he was going to play.
And boy did he give it his best shot!
Time after time Johnson sacrificed his body and drove into the powerful Michigan defense. Sometimes it took three or four Wolverines to bring him down.
And, after each play, Johnson would hop back up and limp back into his huddle and be ready to do it again.
Johnson’s unbelievable courage wasn’t lost by admiring onlookers. On a number of times, ESPN broadcasters Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler stated how they were amazed with Johnson’s determination.
Johnson has been a breath of fresh air to college football. The sport has been rightfully criticized over the last few months. Players, it seems, have been more concerned about themselves than their teams as so many of them have opted out of playing in their bowl games. It was wonderful to see Johnson take the exact opposite attitude. His team-first mindset is what makes college football truly great and why, despite its many flaws, is still loved by millions of fans.
After the game, Johnson could be seen hanging his head on the bench while the Wolverines celebrated their national title. It was clear the loss hurt badly.
Johnson later spoke to ESPN’s Pete Thamel and said, “It just sucks, bro. The only good thing working was my left ankle, and the first play of the game, I got a high ankle sprain and it’s not really much I could really do.”
There is a famous quote by Vince Lambardi that says, “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.”
Johnson proved on Monday night that this isn’t true. His game on Monday night, even in a losing cause, was a great inspiration.
David W. Healy can be reached at dhealy@ddtonline.com
