Jermaine Johnson stood on an open, dirt field in the heart of Independence, Kansas, alone with his own thoughts when he realized the weight of the emotion he carried.
Johnson had just graduated from high school in Minnesota and couldn’t chase the dreams of Division I football as many of his peers did.
In those moments, Johnson realized that any chance of a home-cooked meal by his mom was gone, and unseasoned food in the Independence Community College school cafeteria became a way of life.
Any chance of having a smooth day of conditioning was gone, and almost tapping out in an intense session became a way of life, too.