By Samantha Chaney
MEDFIELD – William Johnson is an analyst for the New England Revolution and has fulfilled his dream of playing football in his wheelchair, making him BZ’s MVP.
Johnson has been in love with football for as long as he can remember.
CBS Boston
“I have two older siblings who played sports all through middle school and high school, but because of my chair I was never able to participate.”
So Johnson watched from the sidelines until he heard about power football, specifically designed for power wheelchair users.
“It’s a normal sport. It’s a group of athletes who didn’t have the same opportunity growing up to play what we call ‘normal sports’.”
Johnson has been playing club ball in Boston for 12 years. He also works as an analyst for the New England Revs.
“Right now I practice once a week on Saturdays. I drive to New Hampshire and practice for three hours, come back and I’m exhausted.”
CBS Boston
He says even when he’s done playing and practicing, the sport never really leaves his mind. But the hard work is worth it: Last month, Johnson got a call to start training with the U.S. Power Soccer National Team in Arizona. Now he has a chance to be part of the national team, which will play in Uruguay in 2025.
“It’s been a dream of mine for a long time. To have the opportunity to play with some of these players who are the best in the world in the sport. It’s an absolute honor,” Johnson said. “I just hope I can prove them right, that I deserved a call-up, and if not, I will work hard to give them a reason to call me again.”
