Diontae Johnson is making waves in his career. Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he has now joined the Carolina Panthers in March 2024.

Nicknamed “Juice” for his energetic performances, he looks forward to boosting the team’s passing game, while supporting QB Bryce Young. Even with the Steelers, he had phenomenal records, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. And, across his career, the enduring presence of his father has boosted his morale despite the tragic loss of his mother at an early age.

Felicia Boyer, the NFL WR’s mother, battled with breast cancer. When Diontae was just five years old, she passed away. At that time, she was only 24 years old. Remembering his mother is painful for Diontae and tears never fail to glint in his eyes when talking about her. But he also cherishes Felicia’s resilience. He recalls that despite her sickness, she always remained calm about it trying to maintain normalcy in the house.

Reflecting on the past, Diontae remarked, “Even though she was sick and going through stuff, she would act like nothing was going on. She was a strong person.” He recalls the slow decline of her health, “she was losing weight and getting weaker, and diabetes exacerbated her worsening condition alongside cancer. However, she never complained.”

When Felicia passed away, it was his father who broke the news to him. He recalls the vivid memory painfully, “I was coming home from school one day. My dad picked us up and told us our mom was gone. I didn’t know how to react. Just hearing that hurt real bad.”

Since then, it was his father, Leo Johnson, who has taken up both the role of mother and father in bringing up Diontae. And, everything that he strives to achieve is a tribute towards his father, who has pushed him to become the best version of himself.

Dontae and his father, Leo Johnson’s special bond 

After his mother’s death, Leo Johnson not only worked hard to provide for his children, but he also made sure he was devoting enough time to cater to them emotionally. Diontae recalls, “he stepped up and did what he had to do while we were young. He came home from work every day and still had time for us. I really appreciate him.” Leo took up the role of raising Diontae and his younger sister, Kianna, by himself.

Diontae further adds that why he was emotionally drained, he got up every day and pushed himself for his father. He adds, “He motivated me every day, just by how he got up to go to work. This is about him. He always knew I had it in me.” While he felt confused and directionless, his father guided him to navigate the challenges with optimism. When he began to miss his mom, his father told him “that I just have to move on and just keep my head up, and not to think about things like that, to stay positive.”

Even Leo recalls the difficult situation, when his children were struggling to cope up with the loss. “They would wake up in the middle of the night crying. They would want their mom.”

However, he pushed them to persevere, and whatever Diontae has achieved today is without a shred of doubt because of him. Diontae adds, “I wouldn’t be in the position I am in if it wasn’t for him. He was the only person I had to learn from. I was around him 24/7. Watching how he got up every day and went to work, made sacrifices. It turned me into the person I am today. I want to be a leader like he is.”

Seeing his son in the NFL is a proud moment for Leo. Not only has he honored his father, but with his successful career trajectory, Diontae has paid a loving tribute to his mother as well.