TAMPA - Did you know quarterback Brad Johnson once had a perm and wore pink tennis shoes to a school talent show?
Thanks to his new book, now you do.
Brad Johnson, Play with Passion, co-written by Greg Brown, quickly takes readers through his childhood in Black Mountain, N.C., to Florida State and finally to Super Bowl Sunday.
"It brought back a lot of memories of a lot of people who affected my life," said Johnson, who will sign copies noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble in Carrollwood. "Not just my parents, but my teachers, my high school coaches, the people that kind of gave me a second chance, a third chance. Sometimes it takes that. Obviously, you have to be good and work hard at whatever you do, but sometimes you need people and a great supporting cast around you."
A part of a series written to inspire children, Johnson's trip down memory lane takes 44 pages and is full of inspirational short stories and "unique" family photos.
"There are some funny pictures," he said. "I think some people will get some kicks out of it. My picture day in the sixth grade, I was in my Dukes of Hazzard T-shirt and my mom was pretty upset about it."
Other athletes who have co-authored books with Brown include Troy Aikman, Cal Ripken Jr., Vince Carter, Eric Lindros, Alex Rodriguez and Sheryl Swoopes.
The book's theme is to approach each pursuit with passion and commitment.
"It talks about being true to yourself, having passion and having fun in whatever you're doing," Johnson said. "But you've got to overcome obstacles, and that's what it's about."
MORE JOHNSON: The Bucs completed their third organized team workout Thursday, and Johnson said there is no time to look back.
"We don't talk about two years ago. We don't talk about last year," he said. "We talk about what we're doing now and what we want to accomplish. Guys are working extremely hard. It's pretty much a new group that's in here. Pretty much the same system, a lot of guys are on a mission right now. We have eight more practices to go before we start training camp in July, and I'm extremely happy with the way things are going."
JOE'S COMING ALONG: One reason for optimism is Joe Jurevicius. The receiver, who tore a right knee ligament in the second game last year and missed the bulk of the season, recently returned from a workout session in New Orleans and said he is very pleased with his progress.
"I got out there on the field (this week) and did a little bit of group work and routes for the first time," Jurevicius said. "Let's just say it's great to put a helmet on again. It's a big step. One time I was on the dirt road, now I'm on a cement road right now. I'm very close and feeling better."
Jurevicius said the Bucs gave him permission to spend time with a private trainer in Louisiana.
"With the blessing of coach ( Jon) Gruden and our training staff, I went out there and worked out and had a full day of workouts and did everything I could to better myself," he said. "The goal I have is to help this team get to the Super Bowl, and that's what I have to do."
Gruden said the team can't wait to get Jurevicius back to full strength.
"He's a leader on this team and he's a juice guy. A guy we know makes plays for us," Gruden said.
WORK STILL TO BE DONE: Players have three organized workouts Tuesday through Thursday, a three-day mandatory minicamp the next week and then break until they report for training camp July 30.
And the coaching staff will use every minute.
"We're trying to teach the system of football that we run to the offense, defense and special teams and trying to make it as stimulating to them as possible," Gruden said. "It's been a lot of work, but we don't coach any differently now than we would in training camp or in the regular season. We're trying to get guys (familiar) with what we're trying to do."
