Former football player harnesseshis voice to stop violence with words
by Karyn Brodsky
When evaluating a person’s resilience, their ability to navigate through challenges is often the clearest indicator of their strength. In this regard, former football star Chris Johnson stands out as a remarkable individual. He transformed a devastating personal loss into profound insights.
Johnson, who played as a cornerback for several teams including the Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens, tragically lost his beloved sister, Jennifer, to domestic violence.
On December 5, 2012, Jennifer’s estranged partner, aged 46, confronted her in the parking lot of her apartment complex in Fort Worth, TX. Although their relationship had ended, Jennifer had permitted him to see their daughter. That day, driven by jealousy and anger over Jennifer’s new relationship, he shot her four times, also injuring Chris’ and Jennifer’s mother, who was present during the attack.
The impact of his sister’s murder deeply affected Chris. With only a 15-month age difference, they shared a close bond growing up as the children of a single mother. In adulthood, they became best friends, speaking daily. As the only son, Chris had always felt a sense of responsibility for protecting his sisters and mother, and her murder was a painful reminder of his limitations.
In losing Jennifer, Chris not only mourned his sister but also witnessed the devastating effects on his family. His mother lost a daughter, and Jennifer’s daughters lost their mother. Her older daughter Sidney, who was born just days after Chris’ daughter, was 13 at the time of the tragedy. For 18 months, Sidney lived with Chris and his family before moving in with her grandparents and baby sister, Soliel, who was only two when she lost her mom.
Overwhelmed by grief, it took Chris nearly a year before he could address the subject of domestic violence openly and its impact on victims, their families, and children. Since then, he has actively advocated against domestic violence, speaking at various venues such as women’s shelters, high schools, and juvenile detention centers, educating people on anger management. His advocacy has included interviews with Dallas news outlets, appearances on shows like Dr. Phil, and was highlighted as the keynote speaker for an October event during Domestic Violence Awareness Month for Hope’s Door, a local organization focused on prevention and intervention. “From my perspective as a man, we hold power in these situations. Typically, it’s men who commit violent acts against women,” Johnson states. “If you find yourself getting angry, take a step back.”
Johnson practices what he preaches. Reflecting on a particularly heated argument he had with his wife during his tenure with the Green Bay Packers, he sought help from security personnel to remove himself from the volatile situation. “It’s crucial to pause before reacting. I never wanted to resort to violence against a woman. I grew up surrounded by strong women, including my mother and sisters, and I have a daughter and two nieces,” he explains. “If you visualize the woman you’re with as a mother or daughter, it leads to a moment of reflection. Every woman has family; how would they feel if you caused her harm?”
To manage conflicts, Johnson advises men of all backgrounds to disengage, walk away, and de-escalate any situation. He emphasizes teaching his children the importance of respect, especially towards women, reflecting this principle in his actions towards his wife.
Now retired from professional football, Johnson dedicates his life to motivational speaking. Though he still grapples with the loss of his sister, he understands the critical importance of raising awareness about domestic violence. He points out that domestic abuse isn’t limited to physical violence; it can also manifest as emotional abuse, isolating the victim from support networks or creating dependency on their abuser. “Domestic violence transcends age, gender, race, religion, and socioeconomic status,” Johnson asserts. “It can affect anyone.”
In recognition of his ability to transform personal tragedy into powerful advocacy and his commitment to guiding young men towards a better path and serving as a positive role model for his children, Themerrythought Magazine proudly presents this month’s VIP award to Chris Johnson.
Above: Chris with his wife Mioshi, his daughter Krissy, age 18, and his sons Brannon, age 15, and Christopher, age 10.
The VIP (Very Inspiring Parent) Award honors both everyday and extraordinary heroes whose determination, integrity, and bravery motivate others to embody the same values and prioritize their families and communities, despite life’s challenges.To learn more or to submit a nomination, visit Themerrythought.net or contact Tricia@Themerrythought.net.
If you or someone you know is experiencing physical, emotional, mental, or financial abuse and are unsure where to seek help, what steps should you take?
Reach Out to Hope’s Door
Hope’s Door has been serving victims of domestic violence across North Texas since its founding in 1986 and is the only organization in Collin County dedicated solely to assisting victims, their children, and perpetrators. Their mission is to provide intervention and prevention services to families affected by intimate partner and family violence, and to enhance community education on these issues.
CEO Jim Malatich states, “Every individual we assist is a success story. Our measure of success is helping clients transition to a life free from fear, empowering them to pursue their goals.”
Originally, Hope’s Door operated a 24-hour crisis hotline and offered emergency accommodations at local hotels due to lack of permanent shelter. In 1989, they opened a 21-bed permanent shelter and expanded their services to include counseling for both adults and children, support groups, rapid rehousing, legal advocacy, and battering prevention programs. Fundraising from individual and corporate donations, along with proceeds from the resale store established in 1997, helps sustain the organization. Through the Crissa’s Closet Voucher program, clients receive vouchers to shop for essentials, often fleeing dangerous situations with only the clothing they wear. Remaining items are made available for public purchase.
Malatich notes that one of Hope’s Door’s most significant achievements is raising awareness about domestic violence within the community. He observes that recent media reports about domestic violence involving NFL players sparked an increase in community inquiries for assistance. “We’ve seen many individuals—both men and women—step forward seeking help,” he adds, emphasizing the necessity to recognize that domestic violence can affect both genders.
Currently, the organization faces challenges in securing sufficient funding to meet community needs. Hope’s Door currently lacks adequate space in its women’s shelter and does not have provisions for male victims. Plans to merge Hope’s Door with New Beginnings Center in Garland are set for September, aiming to consolidate resources and services for North Dallas and Collin counties.
hopesdoorinc.org/mission
24-HOUR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS HOTLINE:
972.422.SAFE (7233)
