BY: Tom Williams | Nov 3, 2024
Clarksdale, Mississippi – Henry Johnson, a former head football coach at Clarksdale High School (CHS), has been inducted into the Coaches Hall of Fame, an honor that celebrates his remarkable contributions to the sport and the lives of countless young athletes. With 29 years of coaching experience, including 22 as a head coach, Johnson’s legacy is one of perseverance, excellence, and dedication.
“It feels great to join such a prestigious group of honorees,” Johnson said. “I’m elated and have so much gratitude for this honor. I would like to thank God, my family, coaching staffs, all players, school administration, fans, community members, and support staff because without them, I wouldn’t be able to have the success that I had over these 22 years as head football coach.”
Johnson’s coaching career boasts an impressive record of 204 wins and 77 losses. During his nine-year tenure at CHS, he revived a struggling football program, leading the team to the playoffs every season and securing four trips to the state playoffs. Under his leadership, CHS achieved eight winning seasons, two district championships, and numerous college scholarships for his players. He also oversaw the construction of a new football stadium and the renovation of team facilities.
When Johnson arrived at CHS in 2013, the program had endured four losing seasons and a 23-32 record from 2008-2012. His impact was immediate, culminating in a 2020 Region 4A Championship, the school’s first since 2007. Before joining CHS, Johnson coached in Rosedale, where he led his team to a state championship.
Among the many players Johnson coached, two have gone on to achieve NFL success: Elgton Jenkins and JT Gray. Johnson fondly recalled his time coaching them during his first year at CHS.
“Gray and Jenkins were great young men to coach—very humble, dedicated, and determined. They were leaders on and off the field. Elgton was a gentleman off the field but a beast on the field. JT was more of a verbal leader who could back it up on the field. It was truly an honor to have the opportunity to coach both of them.”
Despite his many accolades, Johnson remains grounded. His most rewarding accomplishment, he says, is the impact he has had on the lives of the young men he coached.
“All those wins are great, but the main thing I want to be remembered for is the way I impacted young men’s lives. I think I impacted a lot of young men’s lives, and that’s very rewarding for me.”
Johnson also spoke candidly about the challenges he faced, including the tragic loss of a player, Daveyon Hill, to gun violence. “Not many days go by that I don’t think about Daveyon,” he shared, a somber reminder of the struggles some athletes face off the field.
Through triumphs and trials, Henry Johnson has left an indelible mark on the CHS football program and the lives of his players. His induction into the Coaches Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional career and unwavering commitment to shaping future generations.
Photo Credit: Henry Johnson FB Page
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