From The NFL To Children’s Literature: Inside The Business Portfolio Of Derrick Johnson

Key Concepts

• Transition from NFL to Author: Derek Johnson's journey from a Pro Bowl linebacker to a children's book author.
• "Super DJ Saves Field Day": The title and core message of his children's book, emphasizing trying one's best.
• Philanthropy and Education: Johnson's commitment to helping children through education and resources, particularly through his foundation.
• DJ's Discovery Dens: Library makeovers aimed at improving reading levels for inner-city children.
• Fatherhood: Johnson's experience as a father of six children.
• NFL Career and Durability: His 14-year NFL career, focusing on maintaining physical health and strategic play.
• Business and Investments: Johnson's approach to business, including investments in med spas and a preference for "safe" ventures.
• Mentorship and Values: The importance of service, humility, and character instilled by his mother and brother.
• Mental Aspect of Football: The key differentiator between good and great players.

Derek Johnson: From NFL Pro Bowl to Children's Author and Philanthropist

This summary details the conversation with Derek Johnson, a former 14-year NFL Pro Bowl linebacker, now a children's book author, discussing his transition, his new ventures, and his life philosophy. The interview, conducted at the NASDAQ market site, highlights Johnson's multifaceted career and his dedication to giving back.

Soundtrack to Life and Fatherhood

Johnson shares that his current "soundtrack" is primarily spiritual and gospel music, citing artists like Kirk Franklin. He finds this music grounding amidst life's distractions, helping him maintain a calm and humble spirit. He also discusses his role as a father to six children (five boys and one girl), describing fatherhood as "awesome" and noting that his daughter has made him more sensitive and loving.

Post-NFL Identity and "Super DJ Saves Field Day"

When asked how he would introduce himself to a fifth-grade class, Johnson emphasizes that while he "used to sack quarterbacks," his current identity is more profound. He identifies as a child of God and a philanthropist dedicated to helping children reach their full potential through education. This mission is directly reflected in his children's book, "Super DJ Saves Field Day." The book features a dad who becomes a superhero to encourage children to tap into their own "superpowers" by "trying their best to be their best." Key themes in the book include humility, character, and facing fears, drawing from Johnson's own life experiences.

NFL Insights and Super Bowl Predictions

Johnson offers his perspective on the current NFL season, identifying the Colts as a potential "fraud" despite their strong performance, citing a lack of consistent high-level play. He expresses slight concern for his former team, the Chiefs, due to their division's strength and their slow start, but believes they can turn it around with a team effort. He favors the Eagles to repeat as Super Bowl champions, acknowledging their consistent performance. For an AFC contender, he suggests either the Denver Broncos or the Buffalo Bills, noting Buffalo's recent win against the Chiefs and Denver's strong showing with a young quarterback. He also acknowledges the Chargers as a "scary" and legitimate threat.

The Genesis of "Super DJ Saves Field Day" and Johnson's Superpower

Johnson's motivation for writing "Super DJ Saves Field Day" stems directly from his upbringing and his mother's 45-year career as a school teacher. He understands the importance of education and instilling the right values. He believes that by sharing lessons learned from his own life, he can provide children with effective tools for success, particularly in overcoming adversity. Johnson identifies his own superpower as a "serving mentality," constantly seeking ways to help others, especially children, bring out their best. He emphasizes that with children, actions are "caught more than taught," making role modeling crucial.

Collaboration and the Writing Process

Writing the book with his wife, Britney, presented a challenge of "give and take" to ensure a collective vision. Despite potential disagreements, their shared objective of providing children with tools to overcome adversity kept them focused. The process took about a year and involved a ghostwriter. Johnson found the experience more challenging than anticipated but was committed to delivering the right message.

DJ's Discovery Dens and Defend the Dream Foundation

Johnson is deeply involved in philanthropy through his Defend the Dream Foundation, which focuses on creating "DJ's Discovery Dens" in Title I elementary school libraries. These makeovers involve providing functional furniture and age-appropriate books to combat outdated and irrelevant materials. The initiative aims to improve reading levels, particularly for inner-city children who often fall behind due to a lack of confidence in reading. He notes that while technology is prevalent, libraries remain vital, and these dens are designed to be the "heart of the school."

Life in 2025 and Daily Routine

Now retired from the NFL, Johnson is enjoying his life in Austin, Texas. He no longer feels the pull to play, having "exhausted all athletic ability." His day-to-day life is busy, influenced by his two youngest children (ages four and six), but he finds joy in it. His activities include managing solid investments, mentoring University of Texas football players, and continuing his philanthropic work. He remains a community staple, leveraging his platform from college and the NFL to impact others.

Waco Roots and the Sense of Service

Johnson reflects on his upbringing in Waco, Texas, describing it as a small town with fewer distractions, which he credits for shaping him into a humble individual. He emphasizes the importance of getting out and spreading one's wings while still giving back to one's community. He credits his mother, a school teacher, for instilling in him a profound "sense of service." He believes that true success lies not just in personal achievement but in helping others and leaving a legacy that benefits more than just oneself.

Childhood Memories and Brotherly Influence

Johnson fondly recalls watching Saturday morning cartoons like Bugs Bunny, Ducktales, and The Smurfs. He always aspired to be a football player, a path influenced by his older brother, who also played in the NFL. His brother served as a trailblazer, teaching him valuable lessons about being a good person, humility, character, and treating others with respect – principles he uses to judge success beyond financial wealth.

University of Texas and Youth Studies

Johnson majored in Youth and Community Studies at the University of Texas, a field aligned with his passion for working with and mentoring children. This choice was influenced by his family's background in ministry and education. He recalls the impactful experience of visiting elementary schools as a college student, where children viewed him as a superhero, reinforcing his desire to provide them with resources and support.

Austin Barbecue Recommendations

For those visiting Austin, Johnson recommends Franklin Barbecue, though he admits he avoids the long lines. He suggests Law Barbecue or Terry Black's Barbecue as excellent alternatives.

NFL Career Durability and Strategic Play

Johnson's 14-year NFL career, marked by exceptional durability, is attributed to rigorous off-season training, strategic conditioning, and proactive body maintenance, including massages and chiropractic care. Unlike some athletes who rest completely, he emphasizes staying in shape in a "strategic way." He also highlights the importance of prayer and good luck. As a middle linebacker, he developed a "slippier" style, using his athleticism to avoid direct collisions with offensive linemen and get into the backfield, which he believes saved his body from excessive hits. He describes his ability to read the game by "seeing the ball carrier and feeling the lineman" as a key to his success.

Toughest Opponents and Tom Brady's Brilliance

Johnson identifies Marshawn Lynch as one of the hardest players to bring down due to his combination of jukes, power, and speed. When it came to quarterbacks, he names Tom Brady as the most challenging, describing games against him as a "chess match." Brady's ability to exploit any mistake made by the opposing team, even when defenses dropped everyone back, made him exceptionally difficult to play against. Johnson notes that Brady's mental acuity and intelligence were his greatest strengths.

Coaching Influences: Dick Vermeil and Andy Reid

Johnson played under five head coaches, but highlights two significant influences:

• Dick Vermeil: Drafted by Vermeil, Johnson learned the importance of showing vulnerability. He was struck by Vermeil's willingness to cry in front of his players, demonstrating that expressing emotions is acceptable and a sign of genuine feeling, a quality he believes is a "lost art" in modern discussions of manhood.
• Andy Reid: Johnson learned from Reid the critical importance of handling "little things" – such as punctuality, proper equipment, and accountability. Reid's philosophy was that mastering these small details leads to the ability to handle larger responsibilities and achieve greater success. Reid's phrase, "reps eliminate fear, reps eliminate doubt," underscores the value of repetition and preparation.

Year in Oakland and Career Reflection

Johnson played one year for the Oakland Raiders at the request of Jon Gruden, seeking veteran leadership. This year provided him with a crucial perspective on his remaining playing ability. He realized that playing on a less successful team quickly showed him his limitations, confirming that it was "about it" for his career. This year, though brief, was necessary for him to transition from his NFL identity and begin his post-football life. He describes his career in one word: "Tough," citing the physical and mental demands of being an elite middle linebacker and the all-time leading tackler in Chiefs history.

Business Portfolio and Investment Philosophy

Johnson's business portfolio includes investments in small businesses, often with a focus on integrating technology. He currently has investments in "med spas," which offer aesthetic enhancements for both men and women. He describes his investment strategy as "safe," focusing on 5-10-15 year yields with minimal risk of loss. He advises against "get-rich-quick schemes," emphasizing that failure is a valuable teacher and that one must learn to identify overly promising or fast-talking individuals.

Advice for Young NFL Players

For aspiring NFL players, Johnson stresses gratitude for their earnings and the importance of seeking professional financial advice from trustworthy individuals who have their best interests at heart. He advises building a strong circle of mentors and friends, as "your ceiling is as high as your circle." He envisions his future business empire as "safe," reflecting his preference for stable and secure investments.

Key Traits in Business Partnerships

When considering business partnerships, Johnson looks for individuals he "believes in," beyond just the numbers. This belief allows him to "sleep at night" and provides a foundation of trust, even if challenges arise.

First Million and Spending Habits

Johnson spent his first million dollars on a red Range Rover with custom rims and headrest TVs, a car for his mother, and jewelry. He acknowledges this was a splurge at age 22, before he had children. He regrets trading in a pearl-faced Rolex for a Bentley watch, which he now rarely wears, deeming it a "bad investment."

The NFL as a Business

Johnson views the NFL as a "big business," akin to a "bully" that players must navigate carefully. He advises players to maximize their opportunities while in the league, recognizing that the "NFL tag" follows them throughout their lives, acting as a "gold card" that opens doors.

International Investment and Mindset

Outside the U.S., Johnson would consider investing in the UK. He believes that traveling and experiencing other countries broadens one's mindset, helps prioritize what is truly important, and provides perspective on one's own life and consumption habits.

Differentiating Good from Great

Drawing from Jim Collins' "Good to Great," Johnson identifies the "mental aspect of the game" as the key differentiator between a good and a great NFL middle linebacker. While physical attributes are essential, the ability to anticipate plays and capitalize on opportunities is what elevates a player to greatness.