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Home , Andy Reid, Jeremiah Trotter, John Harbaugh, Lito Sheppard, Michael Lewis (safety), Steve Spagnuolo

September 29, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10015 HONORING THE LATE JIM Whereas Johnson began his coaching ca- league with his disciples. Many of his JOHNSON reer as at Missouri Southern former assistants are coaching across (1967–68), before serving 4-year tenures at Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to the country, including Steve Drake and Indiana; Spagnuolo, the head coach of the St. suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Whereas from 1977–83, Johnson served as lution (H. Res. 693) honoring the life and assistant head Louis Rams, and , head and accomplishments of Jim Johnson coach at Notre Dame, a stint that included a coach of the . Coach and extending the condolences of the national championship in 1977; Johnson could have been a head coach House of Representatives to his family Whereas an all-conference anytime, anyplace, anywhere, but his on the occasion of his death. himself at Missouri, Johnson went on to loyalty was with the Philadelphia Ea- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- spend 2 seasons with Buffalo as a tight end gles. (1963–64); tion. But the greatest thing about Jim Whereas a native of Maywood, Illinois, Johnson has nothing to do with the The text of the resolution is as Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in edu- follows: cation and a master’s degree in physical edu- football field. He was known by every- H. RES. 693 cation from Missouri; and one as the picture of honesty and as a Whereas the City of Philadelphia, Pennsyl- Whereas Johnson is survived by his wife, man who never sought the spotlight vania, and the NFL lost one of our greatest Vicky, 2 children, Scott and Michelle, and 4 but one who gave generously of his treasures yesterday; grandchildren, Katie, Justin, Brandon, and time and his talents. Whereas Defensive Co- Jax: Now, therefore, be it Mr. Speaker, Jim Johnson is survived ordinator Jim Johnson passed away on July Resolved, That the House of Representa- by his wife, Vicky, two children, Scott 28, 2009, after a courageous battle with can- tives honors Jim Johnson and extends condo- and Michelle, and four grandchildren, lences to his family on the occasion of his cer; Katie, Justin, Brandon and Jax. He Whereas he was a veteran of 22 years as an death. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- leaves behind grieving friends, players, NFL assistant; colleagues and fans. But our memories Whereas Johnson is regarded as one of the ant to the rule, the gentleman from of him will live forever. top defensive masterminds in NFL history; Massachusetts (Mr. LYNCH) and the I ask my colleagues to support this Whereas over the last decade, he gained a gentleman from Ohio (Mr. TURNER) great deal of praise as the orchestrator of each will control 20 minutes. resolution. the renowned Eagles defense; The Chair recognizes the gentleman Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Whereas his aggressive style kept Philadel- from Massachusetts. myself such time as I may consume. phia at or near the top of the NFL in nearly I rise in support of H. Res. 693, hon- GENERAL LEAVE every major defensive category since he oring the life and accomplishments of Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- joined the Eagles staff on January 22, 1999; Jim Johnson and expressing condo- imous consent that all Members may Whereas from 2000–08, Johnson’s units lences to his family on his death. ranked second in the NFL in sacks (390), 3rd have 5 legislative days in which to re- down efficiency (34.0 percent) and red zone vise and extend their remarks on H. Today we honor Jim Johnson for his percentage (43.9 percent), and Res. 693. life accomplishments and for his posi- fourth in fewest points allowed (17.7 per The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tive attitude he exhibited, even as he game); objection to the request of the gen- battled with cancer. Whereas during his 10-year tenure in Phila- tleman from Massachusetts? Mr. Johnson began his coaching ca- delphia, the Eagles earned 7 playoff berths, 5 There was no objection. reer as head coach at Missouri South- trips to the NFC Championship game, and 1 Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this ern University. He went on to coach at appearance (following the 2004 Notre Dame, winning the national season); time I would like to yield 3 minutes to Whereas as the Eagles’ defensive chief, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. championship in his first year with the Johnson’s defense has produced 26 BRADY). university. He entered the NFL in 1986 selections, including (7), Troy Mr. BRADY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to with the and Vincent (5), (4), Hugh honor a man who will always be known coached for 22 years for the Cardinals, Douglas (3), (2), Asante Sam- as a great Philadelphian and a great the , the Seattle uel (1), Trent Cole (1), (1), American. Eagles Coach Jimmy John- Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles. (1), and Bobby Taylor (1); son was a man of few words. He always Mr. Johnson’s achievements in life Whereas Head Coach correctly let his game do his talking for him. He and his career are truly inspiring. He stated that ‘‘He (Johnson) really represented was one of the top defensive master- everything this city (Philadelphia) is all was a star quarterback at Missouri and about, with his toughness and grit’’, ‘‘That’s began his coaching career at Missouri minds in NFL history. In fact, his ag- the way he fought this cancer’’; Southern. Jim Johnson spent nearly 50 gressive style, noted for its frequent Whereas 4 of his defensive assistants have years in football. He coached in the blitzing, kept Philadelphia at or near gone on to successful careers with other NFL USFL, for the Arizona Cardinals and the top of the NFL in nearly every franchises, including (head for the Indianapolis Colts. But he major defensive category since Mr. coach of the St. Louis Rams), John earned the title Genius during 10 sea- Johnson joined the Eagles staff in 1999. Harbaugh (head coach of the Baltimore sons coaching in my hometown of With Mr. Johnson at the helm of the Ravens), (defensive coordinator defense, the Philadelphia Eagles ap- of the San Diego Chargers), and Leslie Philadelphia. Frazier (defensive coordinator of the Min- The Eagles led the league with 48 peared in five NFC championship nesota Vikings); takeaways, including 28 , games, including in 2004 when they ad- Whereas prior to his tenure in Philadel- during Mr. Johnson’s first season as de- vanced to the Super Bowl. phia, Johnson served as the fensive coordinator. By 2001, when the Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach coach with Seattle in 1998; Eagles went to their first of four Andy Reid stated: Whereas that year, Johnson helped the straight NFC championship games, the ‘‘Johnson really represented every- Seahawks register 10 on defense, defense was ranked among the best in thing the City of Philadelphia is all including 8 interceptions returned for scores, about, with his toughness and grit. second-most in NFL history; the NFL in almost every category. And Whereas he arrived in Seattle after a 4- they remain an elite unit today. In That’s the way he fought this cancer.’’ year stint in Indianapolis, spending the last Coach Johnson’s final season, the team It is clear that Mr. Johnson made a 2 years as defensive coordinator; had the NFC’s top-ranked defense and large impact on those around him on Whereas while with the Colts, Johnson earned yet another trip to the NFC and off the field. Sadly, Mr. Johnson helped them secure a berth in the AFC title game. passed away from melanoma on July Championship game at Pittsburgh in 1995; The Eagles’ defense had 26 Pro Bowl 28, 2009, at the age of 68. Though he has Whereas Johnson spent 8 seasons with the selections during Mr. Johnson’s tenure, left this world, he will forever be re- Arizona Cardinals (1986–93); including seven by safety Brian membered for his accomplishments. Whereas after overseeing the Cardinals de- I rise today to ask my colleagues to fensive line for 4 seasons, Johnson excelled Dawkins. The team played in five NFC as their secondary coach, helping Aeneas championship games and one Super join me in honoring Mr. Johnson and Williams become the first rookie Bowl, and won five NFC East titles. expressing our condolences to his fam- to lead the league in interceptions (6) since And his greatest legacy hasn’t yet ily in his passing by supporting H. Res. 1981; been written. Coach has seeded the 693.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:50 Sep 30, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29SE7.030 H29SEPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H10016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 29, 2009 Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of As noted by the Philadelphia In- the United States, with the disease occurring my time. quirer, Coach Johnson’s Eagles career in approximately 1 in 500 newborn African- Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, on behalf will be remembered as ‘‘one of the fin- American infants, 1 in 1,000 newborn His- of the Committee on Oversight and panic-Americans, and is found in persons of est decades of defensive football in the Greek, Italian, East Indian, Saudi Arabian, Government Reform, I am proud to Eagles’ history, and when the chapter Asian, Syrian, Turkish, Cypriot, Sicilian, present House Resolution 693 for con- about the top of the 21st century is and Caucasian origin; sideration. This resolution serves to written about this football team, the Whereas more than 2,000,000 Americans honor the life and accomplishments of name Jim Johnson will be mentioned have the sickle cell trait, and 1 in 12 African- NFL coaching legend Jim Johnson, as prominently.’’ Americans carry the trait; well as extend our condolences to the In addition to his professional accom- Whereas there is a 1 in 4 chance that a Johnson family on his passing. plishments, Coach Johnson will be child born to parents who both have the sickle cell trait will have the disease; The measure before us was intro- equally remembered as a loving hus- Whereas the life expectancy of a person duced on July 29, 2009, by my colleague band to his wife, Vicky; a dedicated fa- with Sickle Cell Disease is severely limited, who spoke earlier, Representative BOB ther to his son, Scott, and daughter, with an average life span for an adult being BRADY of Pennsylvania. Michelle; and an endearing grandfather 45 years; Whereas, though researchers have yet to b 1515 to four grandchildren. Regrettably, Coach Johnson passed identify a cure for this painful disease, ad- This measure was reported out of the away in July of 2009 at the age of 68. vances in treating the associated complica- tions have occurred; Oversight Committee on September 4, Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that we can 2009, by unanimous consent. Whereas researchers are hopeful that in honor the life and accomplishments of less than two decades, Sickle Cell Disease Additionally, House Resolution 693 Coach Jim Johnson, as well as express has been cosponsored by over 50 Mem- may join the ranks of chronic illnesses that, our sincerest condolences to his family, when properly treated, do not interfere with bers of Congress and enjoys strong sup- through the passage of House Resolu- the activity, growth, or mental development port from the members of the Pennsyl- tion 693. I urge my colleagues to join of affected children; vania House delegation. me in supporting this resolution. Whereas Congress recognizes the impor- Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 693 I reserve the balance of my time. tance of researching, preventing, and treat- ing Sickle Cell Disease by authorizing treat- honors the life and accomplishments of Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Mr. Jim Johnson, whose celebrated ment centers to provide medical interven- Members to support the passage of tion, education, and other services and by football career spanned over 40 years at House Resolution 693, and I yield back the collegiate level and with the Na- permitting the Medicaid program to cover the balance of my time. some primary and secondary preventative tional Football League. Mr. LYNCH. In closing, I urge my medical strategies for children and adults A native of Maywood, Illinois, Coach colleagues to join with the lead sponsor with Sickle Cell Disease; Johnson began his career in football as of this resolution, Bob Brady of Penn- Whereas the Sickle Cell Disease Associa- a player—first as an All-Big Eight sylvania, in supporting House Resolu- tion of America, Inc. remains the preeminent advocacy organization that serves the sickle quarterback from 1959 to 1962 at the tion 693. University of Missouri, under Coach cell community by focusing its efforts on I yield back the balance of my time. public policy, research funding, patient serv- Dan Devine, and subsequently as a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tight end with the of the ices, public awareness, and education related question is on the motion offered by to developing effective treatments and a League from 1963 to the gentleman from Massachusetts cure for Sickle Cell Disease; and 1964. (Mr. LYNCH) that the House suspend Whereas the Sickle Cell Disease Associa- In 1967, Mr. Johnson turned his atten- the rules and agree to the resolution, tion of America, Inc. has requested that the tion to coaching and was hired by Mis- H. Res. 693. Congress designate September as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month in order to edu- souri Southern College as the head The question was taken; and (two- football coach. Coach Johnson’s 2-year cate communities across the Nation about thirds being in the affirmative) the sickle cell and the need for research funding, tenure at the school was followed by 4- rules were suspended and the resolu- year tours at Drake University and at early detection methods, effective treat- tion was agreed to. ments, and prevention programs: Now, there- Indiana University, and ultimately led A motion to reconsider was laid on fore, be it to a 6-year stint as a defensive backs the table. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the coach and defensive coordinator at the Senate concurring), That the Congress sup- University of Notre Dame. Notably, the f ports the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Dis- Fighting Irish won the national cham- SICKLE CELL DISEASE ease Awareness Month. pionship in Coach Johnson’s first sea- AWARENESS MONTH The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- son with the team. ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to After leaving Notre Dame in 1984, Massachusetts (Mr. LYNCH) and the suspend the rules and agree to the con- Coach Johnson went on to coaching po- gentleman from Ohio (Mr. TURNER) current resolution (H. Con. Res. 186) sitions with the Oklahoma Outlaws and each will control 20 minutes. supporting the goals and ideals of Sick- Jackson Bulls of the United States The Chair recognizes the gentleman le Cell Disease Awareness Month. Football League, and in 1986 entered from Massachusetts. The Clerk read the title of the con- the as a de- GENERAL LEAVE current resolution. fensive line and secondary coach for Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- The text of the concurrent resolution the Arizona Cardinals. imous consent that all Members may is as follows: Coach Johnson would later join the have 5 legislative days within which to defensive coaching staffs of the Indian- H. CON. RES. 186 revise and extend their remarks. apolis Colts and the Whereas Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there before Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy blood disorder that is a major health prob- objection to the request of the gen- lem in the United States and worldwide; tleman from Massachusetts? Reid pursued and hired Johnson to be Whereas Sickle Cell Disease causes the There was no objection. the Eagles’ defensive coordinator in rapid destruction of sickle cells, which re- Mr. LYNCH. I yield myself such time 1999. It is Coach Johnson’s 10-year pe- sults in multiple medical complications, in- as I may consume. riod with the Eagles that perhaps most cluding anemia, jaundice, gallstones, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Over- epitomizes his mastery of defensive strokes, and restricted blood flow, damaging sight and Government Reform Com- schemes and cemented his status, as tissue in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, and mittee, I’m proud to present House noted by Andy Reid, as the ‘‘best in the death; Concurrent Resolution 186 for consider- Whereas Sickle Cell Disease causes epi- business at what he does.’’ ation. This legislation expresses our Coach Johnson’s tenure in Philadel- sodes of considerable pain in one’s arms, legs, chest, and abdomen; support for the goals and ideals of phia witnessed 26 Pro Bowl selections Whereas Sickle Cell Disease affects an esti- Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. for the Eagles’ defense, including seven mated 70,000 to 100,000 Americans; The measure before us was intro- by safety Brian Dawkins and five by Whereas approximately 1,000 babies are duced on September 16, 2009, by my col- quarterback . born with Sickle Cell Disease each year in league and good friend, Representative

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