The Football Writers Association announced The Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation as one of the 2022 Armed Forces Merit Award finalists. 

Paris Johnson Jr. (Journalism ‘24) is a starting offensive tackle and Outland Trophy candidate at Ohio State University. He established The Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation during his time in high school in Cincinnati, Ohio, raising more than $10,000 to assist veterans, student-athletes, and the homeless. The PJJ Foundation is committed to empowering and serving disabled veterans and disadvantaged student-athletes with beneficial resources. 

Paris Johnson Jr. is a “wonderful civilian, one who cares and takes care of those who are less fortunate,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day wrote in a letter of support of the PJJ Foundation. “These efforts that Paris does with this foundation are indicative of the leader that he is… on the field and off.” 

The Armed Forces Merit Award honors an individual and/or group with a military background and/or involvement that has an impact on college football. The recipient of the 2022 Armed Forces Merit Award will be announced during an ESPN telecast on Nov. 11, between 6 and 6:30 p.m. 

For more information, visit 2022 Armed Forces Merit Award Finalists Revealed.

Image courtesy of Monica Daniels