Anthony Johnson had his season — and his career — come to an end during practice this season, but it’s certainly not the end of his football journey.
Pat Narduzzi touched upon it before the regular season finale against Boston College last month, saying that Johnson initially didn’t really want Narduzzi to talk about it. Johnson wanted to go out for Senior Day but ultimately couldn’t.
Johnson himself addressed the career-ending spinal cord injury on Instagram over the weekend, writing:
“September 4th I had a regular routine hit that gave me a spinal cord injury leaving no feeling in my back down to the bottom of my left leg. I remember laying there getting carted off the field asking if I’m going to be able still play that Saturday against Cincinnati. Every answer was to not worry about football right now. That’s when I knew in the back of my head that football could possibly over. In a hospital bed for 90% of the day. It broke me, took me to a dark place. I appreciate all my family sticking by me.
“I just had one question for God, why is this happening to me? But as time went on, I learned to trust his plan. If he can be with me, then nobody can be against me. That goes for you too if you’re reading this. Gods plan for you is already written, it’s just your duty to trust it!”
Anthony Johnson transferred to Pitt last offseason after one season at Bowling Green and four more at Youngstown State. He was in high demand last offseason but wound up at Pitt, which he called a dream come true.
And he was expected to play a major part in the defensive line rotation this season.
He played in the season opener against Kent State, but a freak injury during a Wednesday practice in the lead-up to the Cincinnati game resulted in him being carted off the field — facing a lengthy recovery.
Johnson has been rehabbing from the injury, which Narduzzi said was a little scary at first. It may have ended his season, and his playing career, but he expressed gratitude in his Instagram post.
“I’m thankful for it all the past five years! The highs, lows, and everything in between,” Johnson wrote. “I can walk away knowing I gave the game everything I had. Life happens to everybody in some form, it is all about how you respond. Football taught me that you have to keep going and play the next play.
“I know and trust greatness lies ahead for me. I look forward to transitioning into coaching here at Pitt. Continuing to improve @_blindeyed! @kim_dandurand always tells me, “ to whom much is given, much is required” Keep God First, Love All, Give Life Everything You Got.”
Johnson finished his collegiate career with 47 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks and a fumble recovery.
He started his journey at Taylor Allderdice High but transferred to Jeannette High for his junior season, joining the football team. He starred as a junior, transferred to Cleveland Heights High in Ohio for his senior season and began his college football journey. But it all began in Pittsburgh, as will his coaching career.
Anthony Johnson said in his Instagram post that he will transition into a coaching role in some capacity at Pitt.
