Eagles Q&A: Why Fred Johnson’s No. 74 means so much to him originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Every week during the 2024 season, we browse the Eagles media guide to find an interesting nugget.
The Eagles PR interns do a great job filling in these little quirks in the media guide and are a good way to meet the players behind the helmets.
This week we spoke with offensive tackle Fred Johnson, who said his number 74 meant a lot to him because his grandfather died at 74 when Johnson wore that number.
Me: Was your grandfather an important person in your life?
Johnson: Yes, he was one of my biggest influences and supporters. Not just football, but I feel like anything in my life. I feel like any of his grandchildren have made it known that they support you in whatever you want to do as long as it doesn’t harm your life or freedom. He was proud of anything that did something worth mentioning. It doesn’t matter if you’re the neighborhood plumber, the cable guy, or if you were in the NFL.
Me: How old were you when he died?
Johnson: He died in 2021, so a few years ago. I was probably 25 years old.
Me: Was he proud to see you play in the championship?
Johnson: Yeah, he came to a game. His first NFL game in 2019 or 2020. He was super proud, super happy. Nobody knew I was going to play in the NFL. Nobody even knew I was going to play football. He was just super happy that I went to college and got a free ride. The NFL was just a pipe dream. When I was in the NFL, he was super happy.
Me: I assume you had the number before it had any meaning?
Johnson: Yeah, I had the number in college.
Me: So you came into the league and it was available to you?
Johnson: Yes, when I came into the league I went to Pittsburgh it was available, when I went to Cinci it was available and when I went to Tampa it was available. When I came here after he had spent the year before I came here. When I got here I had a different number so I went and got it tattooed (74). But then I wanted to get this number back. The next offseason, I had to do anything to make the team and get it back.
NOTE: Johnson wore No. 50 when he arrived in Philadelphia.
Me: Did you tattoo it?
Johnson: Yes, I have it tattooed on my leg.
Me: What was his name?
Johnson: Ira Lee Johnson.
Me: Do you think he would be proud of where you are today?
Johnson: Yeah, I think he’d be proud. I miss him. It’s just one of those things, you just wish you could have one more conversation with someone but when he was around we talked all the time. When I was so emotional at the Saints game, like I said, I almost cried when Saquon (Barkley) scored. My first NFL touchdown in years after the drive I was on. It was mainly because I knew he wouldn’t be able to tell me he watched the game afterwards. It’s one of those things that I haven’t been able to get used to. My father, my brothers and all that called me, it means a lot. But you take things for granted until they’re gone. I just wish I could enjoy one more of those little calls after a match, to tell him how I did, for him to tell me that he watched it, that he’s proud of me.
Me: I understand that. We all feel it.
Johnson: Yes sir.
Me: Thanks, man. I appreciate it.
Johnson: No problem.
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