How could Charles Johnson even begin to talk about leaving football? The game he loves, to which he gave his blood, his body and nearly every one of his 32 years of life?
How could he begin to say goodbye to the game that got him out of a small Georgia town with few opportunities? The organization that committed to him as he did to it, for 11 years, 67.5 sacks and 20 forced fumbles as well as countless huddle breakdowns, helmet-slaps and hits?
He addressed the people who shaped him.