Houston Texans running back David Johnson played his first five seasons in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, operating in the same offense as 11-time Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
The 2016 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year had a profound impact on Johnson, and the former 2016 All-Pro shared with the Houston media on a conference call on April 17 four ways Fitzgerald impacted his career both on and off the field.
1. Leading by example
One of the biggest things Johnson learned from Fitzgerald was how to be a leader, which is more than telling teammates what to do.
“I’ve learned just as much off the field as I did on the field, just as far as entrepreneurship, being a leader — not just by speaking, but leading by example, doing everything right on and off the field, so no one can ever have anything negative to say about you,” Johnson said.
2. Giving back to the community
Fitzgerald earned the 2016 Walter Payton of the Year Award for his work in the Phoenix and Minneapolis communities, including hosting a youth football camp in both metro areas. Fitzgerald was a ball boy for the Minnesota Vikings growing up, which helped him develop the ability to relate to everyone.
“Helping the communities, he’s helped me with that and my brand, how personable I am,” said Johnson. “No matter who I meet, just being able to talk to them and relate to them, no matter who it is.”
3. Work ethic
Johnson didn’t earn his lone All-Pro just off of luck; it was the result of a devoted offseason after he completed his rookie year in 2015 as a third-round pick from Northern Iowa. The results were 2,118 scrimmage yards and 20 total touchdowns for the 7-8-1 Cardinals.
“I think the biggest thing is his work ethic on the field,” Johnson said. “He’s always out there before practice catching footballs, practicing catching footballs, always out there after catching footballs. I think he catches about 50 to 100 before and after practice. He’s a guy who’s always ready to play.”
4. Taking care of the body
Fitzgerald plays receiver, a position that has taken considerably less physical toll since the Pitt Panther came into the league as a Cardinals first-round pick in 2004. Nevertheless, the 11-time Pro Bowler is entering his 17th NFL season, and it wouldn’t have been possible if he didn’t take care of his body.
“He’s taught me a lot, especially about keeping my body healthy,” said Johnson. “Doing everything, cold tubbing after games, seeing as many massage therapists, dry needling, seeing all of those people, psychiatrist as well.
“He’s just taught me so much and I hopefully can continue to utilize what he’s taught me and be able to prolong my football career as long as he has and doing it at a level as long as he has.”
While Johnson may be on his second NFL team as Fitzgerald continues his Hall of Fame career with his original draft team, the running back seeks to bring that same character to the Texans’ locker room.
