University of North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson's 2024 season is unfortunately over after he sustained an injury Friday night against the University of Minnesota.
It was an emotional moment for Johnson, who likely knew at the time that his injuries were serious, but his family was also clearly heartbroken.
Johnson's mother was seen crying and holding her son's head after the injury on Fox TV, a scene that even moved former quarterback and Fox announcer Brock Huard.
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FOX Sports reporter Brock Huard during the USFL playoff game between the Birmingham Stallions and the New Orleans Breakers at Protective Stadium on June 25, 2023 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“My mom was a three-time quarterback's mom,” Hurd explained, “It's a tough job. It's kind of like being a pastor's wife. It's a very lonely job.”
“All eyes are evaluating the quarterback on every play, and mothers carry that burden. They feel it, they sense it, they hear it in different ways. And to be honest, it's a little tough for me to watch, because you know how much her son has been through, the stops and places and overcoming adversity to get this opportunity.”
North Carolina QB Max Johnson leaves game with serious injury, out for season
Fouad's voice seemed to waver a bit as she described what the quarterback's mother was going through, but it was a tough scene to watch, considering Johnson's college football journey.
The 6-foot-5, left-handed passer began his collegiate career at Louisiana State University, throwing for 3,883 yards, 35 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 18 games across the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He eventually transferred to Texas A&M University, where he played two more seasons but never started a full season.
Johnson joined the Tar Heels at the end of last season, having thrown for 1,452 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions, enrolling as a graduate transfer student.
Fox analyst Brock Huard during the first USFL game between the New Jersey Generals and the Birmingham Stallions at Protective Stadium on April 16, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Johnson was hoping to break out in the ACC in his fifth collegiate season.
“We don't always think about the human element, the family, and especially the mother who nurtures and develops the child and gives so much support,” Heward continued.
The Tar Heels were able to hang on to a 19-17 victory after Johnson left in the third quarter, but all head coach Mack Brown had on his mind was his quarterback.
“I thought he started to get his confidence back and play to his potential in the third quarter, but then he got hurt,” Brown told the New York Post. “We don't know the extent of the injury. He's in the hospital with his parents and we're going to wait and see. We're definitely keeping him in our thoughts and prayers.”
North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Max Johnson (14) holds his knee after being tackled during the second half of a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. (Matt Krohn – USA Today Sports)
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The Tar Heels were concerned Johnson had a broken leg, which was confirmed Saturday morning and will force him out for the rest of the season. Sophomore quarterback Connor Harrell will take Johnson's place and likely start the remaining games.
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