May 1, 2015
Michael Johnson starred as an all-American defensive end for Georgia Tech and was a third-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009. He’s entering his seventh season in the NFL and recently signed a four-year contract with the Bengals after spending the 2014 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.On Saturday, he will walk across the stage at McCamish Pavilion with a new title – college graduate.
Below is a Q&A from the latest Letterwinners Association newsletter.
What led to your decision to come to Georgia Tech?
“It was the opportunity to receive a great education at a prestigious school and have a chance to compete in the ACC for a program that had been to seven straight bowls at the time.”
How much of an adjustment was it to come from Selma to Atlanta?
“It was a big jump. Selma is a small, rural town that is 80% black. Coming to a school as diverse as Georgia Tech, it was eye-opening. I got to meet people from all over the world. When I first got here, they weren’t used to me, and I wasn’t used to them. As time went on, it was a good meshing of cultures.”
What was you experience like as a Georgia Tech student-athlete?
“It was tough. It’s not for everybody. To get out of here and finish, it’s very important to me because of that. I look at other guys (from other schools), and they talk about graduating in three years. That’s not here, that’s for sure. I know when I get that degree and put it up on the wall, it’s going to hold weight.
“There’s a reason that one in six graduates is a millionaire. It means a lot to be able to have that network. There’s a big difference in just going here and actually graduating. You went through the fire and are part of an elite fraternity.”
Having been in the NFL for six seasons, what’s it like to be back on campus taking classes?
“It’s very different experience than when I played here. Going to class and paying attention is easier. When you’re a student-athlete, you’re working out in the morning, have practice in the afternoon, plus meetings — you end up being tired all the time. That’s was a hard thing.
“Coming back has allowed me to interact more in class and with other students. I have a better understanding of the material this time around. I didn’t understand the real world aspect of what we’re learning, and now I have the time and energy to devote to it.”
What advice do you have for current student-athletes?
“Manage your time. Your schedule is so crammed and jam-packed. I’ve been there how tired you an be all the time.
“Try to talk to other students and professors. Let them know your challenges, because they won’t unless you communicate with them. They’ll definitely respect you more if they know what else you have on your plate.”
Looking forward to getting your degree this May?
“Pure excitement. I was talking to Joe Hamilton and said that I probably wouldn’t walk because I’m busy. He told me that I had to walk across that stage and shake the president’s hand, which will be one of the proudest moments of my life. He said that regardless of the big contracts you sign, not many people can say that they’ve been able to play at this level and get that degree. That’s special.
“I’m representing not only myself but my family and community. There are a lot of people supporting me, especially kids who might look up to me. It hasn’t been a cakewalk, this is my third semester coming back here to finish. This is the final push, and I’m doing the best I can.”
