Philadelphia Eagles Fan or Not, Let's Start Praying

Today I received a text message from one of my friends, Bryn Swartz.

It said this..

"ESPN NFL- Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has melanoma skin cancer that has metastasized to his spine."

I replied with, "It's time to start praying."

Jim Johnson, the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive coordinator, arguably the best in the entire National Football League at his job, found out he has had a recurrence of cancer. This time, it's a lot more serious.

Johnson, 69 years of age, has been diagosed with melanoma skin cancer. According to reports, it has spread to his spine and a tumor has formed in his back.

Right now, I am absolutely heartbroken.

It doesn't even matter that he's a Philadelphia Eagle right now. Nothing matters right now, except his future.

Johnson, who is currently going through radiation, has spent 23 years in the NFL.

Johnson started his career in Arizona, where he spent eight seasons as the defensive line and secondary coach. He then spent four years in Indianapolis as the defensive coordinator.

Following one season in Seattle, Johnson became Philadelphia's defensive coordinator, where he still resides today.

Since Johnson has been in Philly, the Eagles have recorded the third best record in the NFL. He has produced 25 Pro Bowl players on defense, and remains as one of the most respected men ever to step foot on the sidelines.

Jim Johnson, a coach that is respected fully throughout the NFL, a coach that genuinely cares about his players, is a coach that I have the utmost respect for.

No one knows Johnson's future as a coach or a man, but I do know one thing.

I'll be praying. I'll be praying really hard for him.

As fans of the National Football League, we need to come together as one.

Right now, it doesn't matter if you're an Eagles or Cowboys fan. It doesn't matter if you're a Steelers or Cardinals fan.

All that matters is this guy's future.

I'll be praying. I hope you do the same.