A Journey of Faith and Transformation with Chris Johnson

When athletes transition from professional sports, many struggle to find their new identity and purpose. Chris Johnson, former NFL player and long time friend of podcast host Eileen Noyes, represents the exception to this common challenge. His story reveals how early disappointments can become the very foundation for a life of deeper meaning and broader impact.

Johnson's brief NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, and Baltimore Stallions lasted only a few seasons in the mid-1990s. But rather than ending with regret, his football journey became the launching pad for nearly three decades of discipling leaders through Christian education and business. His relationship with Eileen began in a weight room twenty-eight years ago, leading to a friendship that would shape both their spiritual journeys in ways neither could have imagined.

During their recent conversation on The Unsidelined Life podcast, Johnson shared insights about resilience, purposeful living, and the art of discipleship that extend far beyond the sports world. His approach to mentoring others offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to make a lasting impact in their personal and professional relationships.

The Power of Radical Preparation  

Johnson's football career was defined not by natural talent alone, but by his response to criticism and setbacks. When the San Diego Chargers released him for being "too slow," he could have accepted defeat. Instead, he channeled that rejection into intense preparation, working with track coach Ron Sheffield to improve his forty-yard dash time from 4.85 to 4.49 seconds in just nine months.

This transformation exemplifies Johnson's core philosophy: "Stay ready and you don't got to get ready." This mindset served him throughout his career transitions, from being cut by teams to landing with the Baltimore Stallions and eventually finding his calling in education. The principle extends beyond athletics to every area of life where preparation meets opportunity.

Johnson's approach to readiness involves three key elements:

• Mental preparation through consistent faith and positive self-talk

• Physical preparation through dedicated training and skill development

• Spiritual preparation through prayer and community support

His experience teaches that setbacks often reveal areas needing improvement. Rather than viewing criticism as personal attack, Johnson used it as information to fuel his next level of preparation. This mindset shift from victim to victor became a pattern that would define his entire approach to life and leadership.

The Ripple Effect of One Conversation  

Sometimes the most significant moments happen in the most ordinary places. Johnson's casual visit to Eileen's office as a strength coach led to a conversation that would change her entire life trajectory. When he asked what she was looking for in a man, her shallow answer prompted him to challenge her thinking more deeply.

His simple suggestion to make a list of desired qualities in a partner seems minor, but it sparked a series of events that led to Eileen's spiritual transformation. Johnson's invitation to attend a Bible study with his then-fiancée Lisa connected Eileen to a community of believers who would provide the accountability and discipleship she needed as a new Christian.

This demonstrates the exponential power of authentic relationships. Johnson didn't preach at Eileen or try to force spiritual conversations. Instead, he lived authentically, asked thoughtful questions, and created natural opportunities for deeper connection. His example shows that influence happens best through:

• Genuine interest in others' well-being

• Thoughtful questions that promote self-reflection

• Consistent availability without pushy agenda

• Creating environments for organic spiritual growth

The impact of that single conversation continues to reverberate twenty-eight years later, affecting not only Eileen but her seven children and countless others she has influenced through her own journey.

Teaching Others to Hear the Holy Spirit  

One of Johnson's most valuable insights involves his approach to discipline and guidance, whether with his own daughters, students at his school, or the men he mentors. Early in his career in education, he learned a crucial lesson about the limits of human wisdom and control.

Rather than trying to extract truth from students or provide all the answers himself, Johnson developed a philosophy centered on teaching others to hear from the Holy Spirit directly. He explains that his job is not to be the Holy Spirit to others, but to guide them toward developing their own relationship with God and ability to receive divine wisdom.

This approach requires significant restraint and trust. It means:

• Asking thoughtful questions rather than providing immediate answers

• Creating space for individuals to reflect and receive their own insight

• Trusting the process even when it takes longer than imposed solutions

• Focusing on long-term character development over short-term behavior modification

Johnson applies this principle consistently, whether counseling teenagers, mentoring young professionals in his financial business, or advising Eileen during her difficult marital situation. His restraint in not pushing for specific outcomes allows others to grow in their own decision-making abilities and spiritual maturity.

Building a Life of Discipleship  

After narrowing his life's mission to two words - "disciple leaders" - Johnson made every major decision through this filter. If an opportunity doesn't involve developing others into leaders, he says no. This clarity has guided his career choices, from staying at Horizon Christian School for over twenty years despite financial challenges, to building a financial services business focused on leadership development.

Johnson's discipleship model involves three key relationships that every person should maintain. First, everyone needs a "Paul" - someone further along in their journey who can mentor them. Second, they need a "Timothy" - someone they're pouring into and developing. Third, they need running mates - peers who provide accountability and mutual encouragement.

His own life demonstrates this model. He continues to receive input from mentors like Miles McPherson and Dan Stobarder, while discipling young men like Zay Williams. His prayer group with long time friends provides the peer accountability that keeps him grounded and growing.

This comprehensive approach to discipleship creates a sustainable system for personal growth and community impact. Rather than relying on formal programs alone, Johnson emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships that provide both formal and informal opportunities for spiritual and personal development.

Simple acts of genuine interest

Chris Johnson's journey from NFL player to educational leader and businessman illustrates how apparent failures can become foundations for greater purpose. His emphasis on preparation, authentic relationships, Spirit-led guidance, and systematic discipleship offers a blueprint for anyone seeking to make a lasting impact.

The lessons from his conversation with Eileen remind us that transformation often begins with simple acts of genuine interest in others' well-being. Whether in sports, education, business, or family life, the principles Johnson embodies, such as, staying ready, asking thoughtful questions, trusting the Holy Spirit's work in others, and maintaining intentional relationships, all of which provide a framework for meaningful influence.

As Johnson continues to disciple leaders while approaching his third decade in Christian education, his story challenges listeners to consider their own two life words. What filter guides your decisions? How are you preparing for unexpected opportunities? And most importantly, who are you discipling into the leaders they're meant to become?

Listen to the full episode to discover more about Chris Johnson's approach to discipleship and hear how one conversation in a weight room continues to impact lives decades later.