t’s the summer of
1986, and my
parents drop me
off as an incoming freshman at Bowling Green State University. They move me in weeks earlier than the rest of the regular student body because I’m reporting to training camp along with 20 other new football recruits. The freshman football players arrive about 3 days earlier than the upperclassmen, which allows the coaches to provide more attention to the younger guys before they get lost in the shuffle. My new teammates quickly form a bond with each other as we anticipate the arrival of the veterans.
The 3 days of two a day practices feels like three weeks and finally the rest of the team start to trickle into the dorms where we’re housed throughout camp. The old heads are checking out the new recruits and vice versa. It’s a little intimidating but I’m observing and listening. Little did I know how close I would become with not only my freshman class, but also my older teammates who I consider to this day as my big brothers.
I quickly learn the vets’ nicknames. Juice, Hound, Big Walk, GO, T.P., Nelly, Fass, and Sarge (RIP) just to name a few. All special guys. But there was one teammate that was particularly interesting. His nickname was “Dirty”. I eventually discovered that his real name was Greg Johnson, but Dirty fit him perfectly at the time. He was our starting nose guard who did the “dirty work” in the trenches. His job was to help the linebackers get to the ball quicker by preventing the offensive lineman from blocking them. And he did his job well. So well that he made first team All-Conference. He wasn’t the biggest, but he was damn good! Dirty was charismatic, silly, and super funny. He kept both his teammates and coaches entertained with his antics and we never knew what was coming next.
What makes college athletics great is the fact that kids arrive on campus from all different walks of life. They meet, interact with, and learn about others that come from different backgrounds and experiences. Dirty was one of those guys that became more interesting the more I learned about him. He was creative. A student-athlete from the inner city of Detroit studying art. I saw one of his pieces and knew he was talented. He was a few years ahead of me and we lost touch after he graduated, but thanks to social media we were able to reconnect via Facebook recently. As I was perusing through his Facebook posts I got a glimpse into how he evolved as an artist, and I was proud. However, I realized that even though we spent a significant amount of time together on the football field, I really never knew his story. So, I decided that needed to change as I was reminded how talented he was.
Dirty, professionally known as Gregory Johnson is now an accomplished artist with a story and a message that will inspire others. I learned about his journey and the challenges he encountered in his attempt to pursue his passion. I regularly seek to elevate and share the stories of inspiring people and this one is particularly special for me.
Gregory's background, growing up in Detroit and later teaching in Detroit Public Schools, showcases his deep connection to his roots and community. His involvement with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Wayne County Community College District highlights his commitment to education and nurturing young talent.
The fact that his work has been exhibited nationally and locally, including prestigious showcases like the Black Fine Art Show in New York and the Cranbrook Art Museum exhibition, speaks volumes about his talent and recognition in the art world.
His story serves as a reminder of the hidden talents and stories that lie within every individual, waiting to be discovered and shared with the world. This is Gregory “Dirty” Johnson’s inspiring narrative of resilience, creativity, and passion that I’m excited to share.
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