Michael Johnson, a former NFL player with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions who now coaches the Columbia Community Church “Warriors” youth football program, recently won the Good Sports Award given by the Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks Sports Alliance.
Johnson was nominated for his positive approach to coaching and his ability to build confidence, involve players in all aspects of the game regardless of their skill level and make the sport a positive experience for everyone.
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He was among 28 recipients honored locally at Howard County’s annual Celebration of Sports event. Next, he and the other winners will be honored Monday at a reception at the State House in Annapolis.
Johnson spoke to The Examiner about his coaching.
Do you think athletes are better at sports today or when you played?
It depends on what level. Each has its own unique aspects. On a recreational level, it’s probably better today. When I played Little League, not everybody could play. If you weren’t good enough, you just couldn’t play. It was more regional with not as many teams. What I tell the kids now is that you don’t have to be good to play.
What qualities does a true good sport display?
The No. 1 thing I teach them is to think of the other person, whether that’s your teammate or the opponent. I still teach them to play hard, but to think about how others feel. You should never cheer when the other team has a penalty, even though it benefits us. We want to encourage the other team. They don’t have to fail for us to succeed. If that’s what you need to be successful, you’re looking at it the wrong way. It’s kind of corny, but I believe it.
What’s your mentality toward coaching, and how do you involve all players?
Some agree with this and some disagree. It’s debatable. But at the first parent meeting each season in July, I explain that the ultimate goal is not to win. We still play as hard as we can. I expect you to give everything you can, and maybe we’ll win. The question is: Do you sacrifice to win or sacrifice the kids? I’m never going to sacrifice the kids. As a general rule, I say that you can be competitive with anyone if you believe in each other. A win is when they go in and do their best and their teammates feel good.
