Jim Johnson takes indefinite leave of absence

by JasonB on May 19, 2009 10:16 AM EDT in News Comment 18 comments

Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, who has been battling cancer since last year, will take an indefinite leave of absence from the team to focus on his treatment.

Andy Reid had this to say

"Jim and I agreed that he needs to concentrate all of his efforts on his recovery. His health is number one. He's struggling, but he's a tough guy and a true battler. I hope everyone will keep him in their thoughts and prayers during this period of time. We hope to have him back with the team as soon as possible."

In Johnson's absence, secondary coach Sean McDermott will assume defensive coordinator duties.

Honestly, there's just not much to say here. Football is obviously a secondary concern and while I certainly hope to see Jim back on the sidelines at some point, I think everyone will join me in saying that we simply hope he gets better. I'd be happy if he never came back if that's what it took for him to beat this disease.

So best of luck of Jim, we'll all be thinking about you.

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JJ's in my prayers

Got better. Number 1 priority.

To me the Eagles are like that girlfriend that pisses u off, then u hate her, but the next morning you wake up and remember that thing u love so much about her

by XxBleedGreen5xX on May 19, 2009 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Man, football aside...

…it always hurts to hear about something like this. My thoughts & prayers are with Johnson & his family, & the Eagles organization during this time. Johnson’s a hard ass; he’ll pull through.

[Cowboys fan]

Hooah.

by .FRoST.USAF on May 19, 2009 10:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

that's really cool of you...

jj is more than some coach to us and we’ll take all the thoughts and prayers we can get.

by awd777 on May 19, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think there’s Cowboy fans out there actively cheering for the cancer…

I am the people's troll :3™

by yomjoseki on May 19, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed, classy move

Get Better JJ

Seventy-one percent of the world is covered by water, the rest is covered by Brian Dawkins

by MeanGreen5 on May 19, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well wishes....

He’s a tough cat we all know this. Keep up the battle Jim!!

by slandog on May 19, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My prayers are with him and his family

If anyone could fight it, JJ could. Come back soon!

Fly, Eagles, Fly...

by Bob_Q on May 19, 2009 11:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Andy Reid

Saying JJ is not doing well really scares me. Reid never says anything and for him to be that forthright about Johnson’s health means this is pretty serious now.

My prayers are with you, Jimmy.

by doubleh on May 19, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My prayers are with you, Jim.

/fixed

strong>Jimmy Johnson was a toolshed that coached the Cowboys and then proceeded to Miami (where coaches went to die in those days). Jim Johnson, on the otherhand, is our in-house defensive guru. To confuse them is blasphemy, sir!

"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel

by foos05 on May 19, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

/cobb’d

Jimmy

"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel

by foos05 on May 19, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, my bad. But you knew who I was talking about—why the h*ll would I pray for a Cowboy?

by doubleh on May 19, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i know… i was just bustin some balls a bit

"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel

by foos05 on May 20, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get better JJ

Let's get it.

by homestar2281 on May 19, 2009 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Best of luck to Jim. Hope to see full recovery.

Moo.

by Imp on May 19, 2009 4:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Best of luck Jim!

Take care of yourself first and then get back to making opposing qbs cry

"You always hear about ballplayers buying numbers from other players for five figures. When this .300 lifetime hitter was in Philly, he traded his number to Mitch Williams for two cases of beer." - Stuff Magazine on John Kruk

by BadCo'09 on May 19, 2009 4:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nothing but respect for Jim Johnson from this Cowboys fan.

Trust me when i say that Cowboy fans respect the hell out that guy. I really do hope he pull’s through and gets back to doing what he does best which is make life hell for opposing qb’s. Both of our teams have seen there fair share of tragedy this off season. Best of luck to Jim Johnson.

by TARHEEL PAUL on May 19, 2009 11:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jim Johnson

Get well soon best wishes and prayers to you and your family. kick that cancers ass godspeed to you .

When I look at this team, I still don't feel as though we are very far away, we still have to work hard and do the things we are capable of, but we do have the chance to get back and come back strong." -Brian Westbrook-

by EAGLE_MAN71 on May 20, 2009 2:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

God bless Johnson, hope a speedy recovery!!!!! GO BIRDS

to me EAGLES defense is JIM!!!
Through all our years since jim has been here. Players have come n go but our Defensive scheme has been the same!!! (strong solid D that’ll Blitz u from any position!)
Get well J.J.!! (jim Johnson)
Hope r D makes u proud this YEAR!!!!

by Eaglesrthebest on May 20, 2009 3:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs