Anthony Johnson posted on Instagram about what actually happened in regards to his injury.
Here is a copy of that message:
Didn’t imagine going out this way. Career ending injury second week of the season of my senior year playing for the hometown school. It’s all I ever dreamed of, I still remember going down bouquet while I was in highschool with @diddybop12_ , @d.ham3 , @bigguccibrice praying I got to go to Pitt and live the dream out for playing for PITT. It eventually happened but It’s all over now. I still remember @7k.beez begging me to play football 11th grade year. Doing WR & LB drills before the season just for the coaches to tell me I’m playing D-Line. I was ready to go back to basketball after the first day! Thank God I stuck it out. Football changed and shaped me as a man. The people that I met along the way, the opportunities that I have gained, the lessons that I have learned are priceless.
September 4th I had a regular routine hit that gave me a spinal cord injury leaving no feeling in my back down to the bottom of my left leg. I remember laying there getting carted off the field asking if I’m going to be able still play that Saturday against Cincinnati. Every answer was to not worry about football right now. That’s when I knew in the back of my head that football could possibly over. In a hospital bed for 90% of the day. It broke me, took me to a dark place. I appreciate all my family sticking by me.
I just had one question for God, why is this happening to me? But as time went on, I learned to trust his plan. If he can be with me, then nobody can be against me. That goes for you too if you’re reading this. Gods plan for you is already written, it’s just your duty to trust it!
I’m thankful for it all the past five years! The highs, lows, and everything in between. I can walk away knowing I gave the game everything I had. Life happens to everybody in some form, it is all about how you respond. Football taught me that you have to keep going and play the next play.
I know and trust greatness lies ahead for me. I look forward to transitioning into coaching here at Pitt. Continuing to improve @_blindeyed ! @kim_dandurand always tells me, “ to whom much is given, much is required” Keep God First, Love All, Give Life Everything You Got
