NASHVILLE – The Titans and Titans defensive back Lonnie Johnson Jr. announced that they will partner to give a donation to John Early Middle School's football team.
The donation will allow the school to purchase new shoulder pads for the team, ensuring each player is afforded the opportunity to play with their own individual pair. Currently, the team has 40 players, but is operating with only 18 pairs of shoulder pads.
John Early Middle School is located in Nashville, Tenn., just over a mile away from the Titans' practice facility, Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Johnson presented a check for $4,000 to the school on Tuesday.
"I'm thankful to be in a position where I can help the team get the equipment they need in order to play football," Johnson Jr. said. "Playing sports as a kid helped shape me into who I am today, so I'm excited to help provide kids in our community with that same opportunity."
Johnson Jr. is in his first season with the Titans and fourth in the NFL in 2022. Originally drafted by the Houston Texans in the second round (54th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft, his career totals include 160 tackles, three interceptions and 13 passes defensed in 46 career games. Johnson Jr. played collegiately at the University of Kentucky.
"Our goal at John Early is to be the best middle school in MNPS because our students, families, staff, and community deserve it," said Executive Principal of John Early Middle School Jeremy Riggs. "We are grateful to Mr. Johnson for this generous donation which shows our students that they deserve the best."
