Photo by Jamie Plain
Max Johnson is an 8th-grade student at College View Middle School, playing basketball and football for the Vikings. When he’s not taking snaps as the quarterback of the football team, he’s playing lock-down D and draining threes on the basketball court.
When asked what his favorite sport was, he replied: “Whatever one I’m currently playing.”
“I would say I love playing basketball because I am with my friends and having fun. I also love how fast the game changes pace,” Johnson said. “I would also say that I love football because I get to see the game unfold with the ball in my hands.”
Johnson enjoys sports as an outlet from the daily requirements of life and an opportunity to have fun with his friends.
“I would say that being a part of two different sports gives me an opportunity to have two different friend groups, and we share the love for the game we play,” he said.
Regarding role models, Johnson takes great pleasure in watching former Kentucky Wildcat Devin Booker play basketball. On the gridiron, he looks to all-time great Peyton Manning and stand-out college quarterback Tim Tebow.
“One of my role models for football is Peyton Manning because he was so fundamental in what he did and is one of the all-time greats,” he said. “Another person I admire in sports is Tim Tebow because he was a college football legend and believer in Christ and didn’t shy away from his faith.”
Johnson looks forward to a smooth transition from middle to high school athletics and hopes to receive an invite to the Elite 11 Football Camp. Elite 11 is a quarterback camp and competition where the best high school quarterbacks in each class come together to showcase their skills. Owensboro quarterback Gavin Wimsatt was invited in 2021.
He acknowledged he would need to work hard and dedicate a lot of time and effort to the weight room and his trade.
If football as a career doesn’t work out, Johnson said he would also love to coach basketball at the college level.
Until then, he will continue to perfect his craft and have fun playing the sports he loves with his friends.
“I am grateful for all the coaches and people who have taken their time and money to help me get to where I am,” Johnson said.