'Done This For You': Paris Johnson Jr. Thanks Mom In Heartfelt Mother's Day Video

Former Ohio State Buckeyes offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is not only a son, but an associate for his foundation with his mother, Monica Daniels.

Casey Smith | May 14, 2023

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Ohio State Buckeyes

Sunday is the day to honor mothers everywhere for their hard work and dedication to bettering the lives of everyone.

Former Ohio State Buckeyes offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. was one of three past and present Buckeyes to express their appreciation for their mothers as he said in a heartfelt video on the NFL's official Twitter account how appreciative he was of the sacrifices his mother, Monica Daniels, made.

"I've done this for you. It's why I play the game as hard as I do," Johnson said. "Five-year-old me, you know what I mean, I wanted to play this game because Paris [Johnson Sr.] played the game. That's why I got into football. But once he left, I knew that this game had to be something that saved us as a family because Paris didn't do right by you. Paris Sr., he didn't."

Daniels helped Johnson establish the Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation and serves as its executive director.

The Arizona Cardinals' 2023 first-round draft pick said Daniels "believed in the words of a 5-year-old" and sold her home, quit her job and "spent her life savings" to help him pursue his dream. Johnson said he plays the game "for that smile I still see on the screen."

"You've put your life behind this game," Johnson said. "You've never played a down. And you're a hero for that because nobody would do that, so I appreciate you."

“You’ve put your life behind this game… you’re a hero for that.” @AZCardinals OL @ParisJohnsonJr knew his path to the NFL was impossible without the support of his mom. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/unsa0t5MN6
— NFL (@NFL) May 14, 2023

Former Buckeyes wide receiver Johnnie Dixon III also was featured in a video for his team, the New Orleans Breakers of the United States Football League.

"Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful mothers out there," Dixon said as he walked outside the Breakers facility. "To my beautiful wife, to my beautiful mother, I love y'all."