Son of man killed by al-Qaida visits Bucs

By JOANNE KORTH and ROGER MILLS
Published November 6, 2004

TAMPA - The presence of a special guest at Friday's practice was a reminder to the Bucs that football, even in the NFL, is just a game.

Paul Johnson III, whose father was killed by al-Qaida militants in Saudi Arabia in June, spent a sun-splashed morning at One Buc Place visiting with players and coach Jon Gruden.

A Bucs fan growing up in Port St. John, Johnson attended home games at the old Sombrero wearing an orange and white Tampa Bay jersey. Friday's conversations with Derrick Brooks, Shelton Quarles and Joe Jurevicius provided a rare escape for a man whose life has changed dramatically since his father's death.

"Every day is nothing but a fight," said Johnson, 29. "Some days you're fine and some days you're just down and out."

Paul M. Johnson Jr. was kidnapped and decapitated after the Saudi government rejected a demand to release all detained militants. The younger Johnson said he has sent letters to the White House and the Saudi embassy requesting an investigation into his father's murder.

Gruden was moved by Johnson's presence.

"Paul's a very special guest," Gruden said. "Obviously, he has to overcome great tragedy. I can't even imagine how he can do that. But we're going to be here for him and support him."

READY FOR THE CHALLENGE: The Chiefs boast the No. 3 offense in the league, averaging 406.1 yards, and the No. 1 running game (167.6 yards). Oh, and they average the second most points (29.4) behind the Colts (31.1).

"We realize we've got a great offensive club coming in here," said Gruden. "It will be a tremendous challenge for us."

Following a slow start for an offense that seemingly dominated every game in 2003, the Chiefs have stormed back the past two weeks with a club-record 101 points and 1,130 total yards, fourth most in league history. They averaged only 21 points during a 1-4 start. But while the Bucs respect their prolific output, Gruden pointed out that his team's strength is on the defensive side of the ball.

"I believe these guys have earned the right to say they're a darn good defensive team," Gruden said. "On paper, they rank pretty high statistically, also, though that's not our measuring stick here."

MORE POSITIVE THINKING: While much attention has been given to the Chiefs offense, the Bucs defense said it's up to the task and hopes to get help from teammates on the other side of the ball.

"The X factor is that our offense is coming on real strong," defensive end Simeon Rice said. "We're getting key components back. (Receiver) Joey Galloway is back, our deep threat. (Receiver) Joe Jurevicius is back. And we have the young (rookie) who stepped up and played really well, Michael Clayton, he's demanded attention.

"Michael Pittman, he's started to come on strong. The last game he played he had 100-plus yards. We're coming on strong offensively. This thing is moving in the right direction at the right time."

LOCAL PRODUCT: Former USF standout linebacker Kawika Mitchell returns to Raymond James Stadium as the starting middle linebacker. Gruden said Mitchell is a good fit with the Chiefs' defensive style.

"He's a young player who fits their system," Gruden said. "They've had a couple of injuries at linebacker. ... He's stepped up and showcased why he's in the NFL and why he was a fairly high pick. He's a good kid. We liked him, too."

Mitchell, who is from Winter Springs, was a second-round pick (47th overall) last year but played sparingly. This season he has 14 tackles, with two passes defensed.

INJURY REPORT: Fullback Mike Alstott (sprained right knee ligament) is out. Receivers Jurevicius (lower back), Charles Lee (knee) and Galloway (groin) and quarterback Chris Simms (shoulder) are questionable. Linebackers Brooks (knee) and Quarles (leg) are probable, as is safety Dwight Smith (knee).

[Last modified November 6, 2004, 00:57:25]