Sharing that story did much more than just help Joe calm his mind. It led to a phone call between Vincent and Johnson, which lasted more than an hour. The pair talked about everything from football to family, and the Bears cornerback ended the call with a powerful prayer that touched the hearts of Joe and his wife, Kristie.
“It’s beyond words, because Jaylon really showed up at a time when we were at a very low low, and just knowing that he took his own personal time to do so,” Kristie said. “They had just finished the Pro Bowl and Jaylon called us from Florida. He prayed with us, and he was just very personable to us and just gave Vincent hope. When you go from a kid that’s really active and excited, to not being not able to walk and in a hospital bed, someone to show up like that really is heartfelt.
“It shows that we’re all human.”
In six months, Vincent and Johnson went from first seeing each other through phone screens to sharing a special moment in-person while Vincent progresses with his recovery.
Johnson hugged each member of the family — Vincent’s older brother and young sister were in attendance as well — and shared emotional moments with Vincent and his parents.
“Vincent and his family are true testaments to courage and endurance,” Johnson said. “Not only are they strong to get through and stay together, but they have done it through time. When I had the opportunity to meet him and his family, those traits were evident. I am blessed to be able to meet them and take time to come together with moral support and prayer. Seeing Vincent up on his feet and his family filled with joy today made me really happy.”