Some stories are too wild to be fiction. Like the one involving a country music star, a middle school QB, and a stolen dance date. And well, Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson finds himself amidst all of this. All the while leading his team to a stellar season. So how did he find himself at the center of an unexpected viral moment? Buckle up because, yes, it’s just as entertaining as it sounds.   

When Chase Rice took to Twitter recently, no one expected him to stir up a hilarious blast from the past involving Ben Johnson. “I’m still mad he stole my middle school dance date from me and married her, but it was great to see you too, Jessica. How ’bout them 12-1 Detroit Lions.”

Cue the internet frenzy. Rice, now a celebrated country music star, was referring to Jessica Johnson—Ben Johnson’s wife. The playful revelation didn’t just entertain Lions fans but also highlighted an amusing chapter of middle school drama that’s aged into a delightful anecdote.

Back then, Ben Johnson wasn’t the offensive genius leading a high-powered Lions offense to a 12-1 record. He was simply the middle school quarterback who caught Jessica’s eye. Fast forward a couple of decades. And he and Jessica are happily married. With two children—Kennedy and Emory! Their high school sweetheart story began in Asheville, North Carolina. It culminated in marriage in 2014.

For Lions fans reveling in their team’s dominance this season, this humanizing peek into Johnson’s life is a reminder. Even the masterminds behind the game-winning plays have everyday backstories full of humor and heart.  

Jessica Johnson: The steady force behind a rising NFL star

Born as Jessica Fleming in Asheville, North Carolina, Jessica attended AC Reynolds High School way before graduating from North Carolina State University in 2008. She and Ben began dating in high school, and their journey together spans nearly two decades, marked by moves, milestones, and plenty of NFL action.  

As Ben worked his way up the coaching ladder—starting as a graduate assistant at Boston College and climbing through roles with the Miami Dolphins—Jessica provided unwavering support. By the time the Lions hired Ben in 2019, their partnership had already weathered the trials of an unpredictable NFL lifestyle.  

Under Ben’s leadership, the Lions offense has soared, with record-breaking achievements in passing and rushing. In 2022, Detroit ranked among the league’s best in points per game and red zone efficiency. Quarterback Jared Goff and running back Jamaal Williams hit career milestones under Johnson’s guidance, but behind every stat and strategy lies the stability Jessica provides at home.  

The irony? Jessica might’ve been Chase Rice’s middle school crush, but her role now is far bigger than the anecdote. She’s the backbone of a family that balances NFL pressures and personal triumphs—a dynamic partnership that resonates far beyond football.  

Chase Rice’s playful jab at Ben Johnson offers more than just a laugh; it’s a window into the personal lives of two high school sweethearts who’ve built an incredible journey together. Jessica’s unwavering presence and Ben’s strategic brilliance make them a power duo worth celebrating. For Lions fans and the internet alike, this story is a reminder that behind every great football coach is a life filled with moments just as memorable as the plays they call on the field.