Last week, a few friends and I were discussing the upcoming NFL season, and we got into some specific debates regarding the NFC East in particular. Being that all of us are either Cowboys or Giants fans, we love to bash on eachother's teams. I, being a Cowboys fan, said that I would be concerned if I were the Giants because of the loss of defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo. Then I went on to explain that Jim Johnson's defense in Philadelphia was one that all of the teams in the division would need to be concerned about. After that statement, I was informed that Jim Johnson was no longer with the Eagles due to cancer. I had not heard anything about it, and I figured it was in its early stages, and that he would probably rejoin the team before the season was complete. Not thinking too much of it, we continued on with other debates concerning the NFC East.

The next day as I am listening to ESPN, I hear breaking news about Jim Johnson and that he had succumbed to melanoma at the age of 68. I paused suddenly and remembered talking about him the night before; it was all very surreal. Because I am a huge Cowboys fan, I am no stranger to Jim Johnson, and his disturbing defenses that plagued my team for years. Although I hate the Eagles and their vaunted defense, I always had the utmost respect for Jim Johnson as a genius of the game, and I had always hoped that the Cowboys would one day get him. He was truly one of the greats as a defensive coordinator, and he will be sorely missed by everybody that has respect for the game of football. Facing the Eagles this year just won't be the same without him coaching the defense. Rest in peace, Jim Johnson, you will always be remembered.