Page 157 of Running
Johnson: I am, and I’m glad I got to pick up where I started for the last few weeks, although Tony deserves kudos for winning most of the games when we were out. We followed the protocol, and I’m symptom free.
Terry: And Landon, a monster year for you. Your highest number of sacks yet in the NFL for a season. How does it feel?
Landon: It’s great, but it’s because our unit is so strong. I get my opportunities because of the team making plays at every position.
Terry: Appreciate that.
Landon: And going back to what Johnson was saying, he’s being too modest. He’s had to juggle some difficult scenarios with the injuries and everything. He’s a complete gamer, leading us to these wins. A once in a generation type quarterback in the making.
Johnson: If we win Super Bowls, that is. [everyone laughs]
Bruce: Bailey Watkins was here about a month ago, and Landon, he talked about the special chemistry in the locker room because of the friendship that you and Johnson have. That the two of you unite the offense and defense in a unique way because of your bond. Can you talk about that?
Landon: Sure, and I’ve said it many times. I’m so lucky to have this guy by my side. Next year will be our seventh yearplaying on the same team, counting our time at Alabama. We’ve been through so much shit together on and off the field.
Johnson: To be honest, I feel like I’m the lucky one. There’s nothing like playing with your best friend.
Landon: I’m the better looking one though, right? [everyone laughs]
Landon: But yeah, we know the value of having a united front. And we make sure all the guys feel that as a team. Off the field, we’re one big family. I had everyone over for Thanksgiving?—
Johnson: My mom baked the turkey, just to clarify.
Landon: Yeah, thank god for that. I’m no cook. And then Johnson hosted the New Years Eve party for all of us.
Johnson: [Looking into the camera] We skipped the champagne, Coach Houston. [everyone laughs]
Landon: Those off-field moments together are huge.
Terry: One more question before you go. Johnson, you made a bunch of headlines last week when you helped to open a new program in Orlando for children whose parents are struggling with alcohol addiction. The rumors are that you donated fifteen million? Is that true?
Johnson: It is. I have a lot of…dedication to the cause, helping these kids. Some things are more important than money.
Landon: Proud of him for giving back in the community that way.
Bruce: As you should be. Well, thanks to you both, and we look forward to seeing how far the Waves go next year.
Landon: As do we [winks].
“Thanks, guys, we’re off the air,” Terry says over the video link. Landon and I are in one of the rooms the Waves PR team uses for remote interviews.
“Hopefully that gave you what you needed,” I say to him asLandon begins taking off the earbuds in rapid fashion. I know why he’s hurrying, so I cover with Terry.
“It was great. We’ll have you back in the preseason?”
“For sure.”
When we’re disconnected from the show link, I turn to my best friend. “Excited to go see Rori now?”
He shoots me a big smile. “Yes, Australia, here I come.” Rori’s tennis season has started down under, and with all our post-season duties done this week, Landon’s going to meet her.
“Say hello for us. We’ll take good care of Grover.”
“Thanks, J. It means a lot that Grace and you will take him at your house.”
“No worries. The kids love him.”
Emma and Leo can’t wait to have Grover to themselves. I haven’t told anyone my secret, but once the court approves the agreement to give Lainie full custody, I plan to buy the kids a dog. Maybe two.
