Get Well Jim Johnson

The NFL still needs you

This afternoon it was reported that 67 year old Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has had a recurrence of cancer, a melanoma bone tumor that was found in his spine. Jim had a melanoma removed from the base of his spine back in 2001 and had been testing cancer free since. Back pain caused Jim to need a scooter to get around Philadelphia's practice facility in the final weeks of the season. He sat up in the booth, which he had never done before, for the final two playoff games against the Giants and Cardinals and needed a cane to get around the facilities.

This is a really fresh story and the team is not saying much but it does not sound good. This issue is described as a quote bone tumor unquote and the team spokesman made reference to other occurrences of cancer in Jim's body but would not elaborate. Oncologists contacted by the Philadelphia Daily News indicated Jim could be in for a tough time based on what has been said.

Jim started radiation treatment immediately, this week, and these treatments should help him with the pain, which is reported to be severe.

Jim is perhaps the greatest top level football coordinator never to seek a head coaching job. All Jim has done in 40 years of coaching, 17 in college and 23 in the pros, all that after a career as a college quarterback and a two year NFL career as a tight end, is develop defensive players and schemes that change games and put his teams' offenses in the best position to win. Over the past ten years maybe no team knows that better than the Washington Redskins.

Get better Jim, we are thinking about you.


Philly.com Jim Johnson photo gallery.

Hometown coverage: Iggles Blog, Bleeding Green Nation, Bounty Bowl, The 700 Level, Curly R readers head over there and show your sympathy as football fans.



Jim Johnson: Miles Kennedy / AP Photo from here via here.