HOUSTON (SPORTSRADIO 610) – Lonnie Johnson Jr. was honored as this week's NFLPA Community MVP after paying for the funeral of a teenage boy in his hometown.
"I know what his family feels like. I lost a lot of people close to me, so I know what it's like to be in that position. I just wanted to help out in any way I could," Johnson told the media.
Johnson Jr., a native of Gary, Ind., paid for the funeral of Curtis Walton, a 14-year-old who drowned a few weeks ago.
"Unbelievable gesture paying for that funeral, Lonnie is a good person, he works very hard and he has the right attitude," Texans' head coach Bill O'Brien said
Johnson Jr. has talked about how his hometown has shaped who he is, and how he wants to bring some positivity to Gary, Ind. Another aspect that his roots have influenced is the blue-collar attitude he brings to his job.
"Lonnie works hard. He helps us on special teams, he works hard to be better at corner," O'Brien added. "If he keeps that attitude of just trying to get better every week, I think he's going to continue to have improvement."
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