Meeting Johnny Mundt
Leroy has been coaching high school football for twenty years. During that time, he has met and worked with a diverse range of children. Some he loved, and some he wasn’t sad to say goodbye to. There are a few that stand out, but none that made an immediate and lasting impact like Johnny Mundt.
Steel was still at Central Catholic when Johnny started high school, and he was a standout from the beginning. Not because he was an outstanding athlete (which he was), it was his personality and character that made the positive impressions. Leroy would come home from practice and talk about him all the time. He was even impressed with Johnny’s high school girlfriend (who later became his wife). When most coaches disapprove of those relationships due to the distraction, Leroy immediately recognized this one as something special.
Johnny went on to success in college at Oregon and entered the NFL, where he has played for the Rams, Vikings, and now with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is our hometown hero and a standout role model for the CCHS football program. We are so proud of his accomplishments and have pledged our unending support as loyal fans.
Jameson and Charlotte have taken this fandom to a whole other level. They have been dedicated, watching many of Johnny’s games and rooting for him from the living room couch. (I’m pretty sure Charlotte has a crush on him.) Jameson even pulls up Johnny’s highlights on YouTube to re-watch his touchdowns. So when Leroy had the opportunity to introduce the kids to Johnny, he didn’t pass it up.
We purchased an official “Johnny Mundt” jersey in Jameson’s size and took the kids to CC this summer to meet Johnny while he was there hosting a tight end camp. He was gracious enough to spend time talking to them, signing their memorabilia and taking photographs. While he is now a grown man with children of his own, he remains the same kind and humble kid who showed up on campus his first year.
Leroy is taking Jameson to his first NFL football game this season, when the 49ers host the Jaguars. Jameson cannot wait and counts the days until kickoff. He plans to wear his precious jersey and hopes to see Johnny in action. We are grateful to have been a witness to Johnny’s success and appreciate the lasting impact he has had on our lives and the lives of our grandchildren.
