What role does faith play when life throws unexpected challenges your way? How can you find meaning in both the difficult and beautiful moments that shape your journey?
Meet Ernie Johnson Jr., a renowned sports broadcaster whose life story transcends the boundaries of professional success. In his memoir Unscripted, he shares his journey through career triumphs, personal battles with cancer, and the joys of building a diverse family—all while guided by unwavering faith.
Continue reading for an overview of Unscripted by Ernie Johnson Jr.
Overview of Unscripted by Ernie Johnson Jr.
Unscripted by Ernie Johnson Jr. recounts the prominent sports broadcaster’s journey balancing a successful career with profound personal challenges, including adopting children from various backgrounds and his courageous battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Johnson’s faith provided the strength to endure and equipped him to cherish life’s unexpected moments which he likens to stumbling upon wild blackberries.
Through captivating storytelling, Johnson imparts wisdom about valuing family, maintaining optimism amidst turmoil, and embracing the divine timing of life’s twists and turns. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty found when we remain open to life’s many unscripted moments.
Johnson’s Career
In the competitive world of sports broadcasting, few careers exemplify the power of adaptability and dedication quite like that of Johnson. From his humble beginnings as a college student at the University of Georgia to his current status as a respected figure in sports media, Johnson’s journey represents a masterclass in professional evolution and versatility. His story not only illustrates the dynamic nature of broadcasting but also demonstrates how combining passion, opportunity, and willingness to learn can forge a remarkable career path in sports journalism. Through decades of experience covering everything from local news to international sporting events, Johnson’s career serves as both an inspiration and a blueprint for aspiring broadcasters in an ever-evolving media landscape.
Getting Into Broadcasting
Johnson’s career in sports commentary began during his college years, eventually leading to his current role as a prominent broadcaster for a major media company. He attributes his success to both flexibility and hard work, noting that his career path was guided by a combination of fortunate opportunities and spiritual direction.
While studying at the University of Georgia, Johnson discovered his passion for broadcasting, prompting him to shift his focus from pursuing a baseball career to studying journalism. His broadcasting foundation was established through his involvement with WUOG during college and his work at WAGQ-FM, experiences that deepened his enthusiasm for media. Following his graduation in 1978, he took his first television role as a news anchor at WMAZ in Macon, Georgia’s thirteenth-largest media market.
During his time at WMAZ, Johnson developed a comprehensive skill set in television broadcasting, including story shooting and editing, news anchoring, and promotional work. He considers this versatility a key factor in his career advancement, often emphasizing the value of acquiring diverse skills. He compares this versatility to how baseball managers value players who can perform multiple positions on the team. These formative years in Macon established the foundation for his future success in broadcasting.
Turner Sports
Johnson became a weekend sports anchor at Atlanta’s WSB-TV, eventually leading to his distinguished career with Turner Sports. Throughout his time with various Turner networks, Johnson has established himself as a versatile commentator, covering an impressive array of sports including Major League Baseball, the NFL, golf, Wimbledon tennis, track and field, boxing, rowing, Olympic speed skating, and motorcycle jumps. His remarkable ability to adapt and embrace new challenges has been a hallmark of his career.
Johnson’s work has taken him around the world, allowing him to witness remarkable athletic achievements and experience different cultures. Among his most memorable career moments are covering Dan Jansen’s triumphant Olympic speed skating victory at the 1994 Norway games, being present for a golf legend’s emotional farewell at the 2005 British Open, and experiencing the impact of the September 11 attacks while covering the 2001 Goodwill Games in Australia. These diverse experiences have deepened his appreciation for life and given him a perspective that extends far beyond sports, encompassing many aspects of the human experience.
Inside the NBA
Johnson believes Inside the NBA’s enduring popularity comes from its unscripted, natural approach. What started as a conventional sports highlights program transformed into a vibrant platform featuring candid conversations and humorous exchanges between former NBA stars Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal. He credits producer Tim Kiely for creating an atmosphere that encourages all team members to share their thoughts freely.
Inside the NBA’s development took shape gradually, with Kenny “The Jet” Smith joining in the late 1990s, Charles Barkley coming aboard at the beginning of the 2000s, and Shaquille O’Neal completing the lineup in 2012. Under Kiely’s skilled production guidance, this unique group of personalities created a show that thrives on its spontaneity. The program’s charm lies in its unexpected moments, such as live weigh-ins featuring Charles Barkley or playful competitions involving baby care, all of which showcase Johnson’s ability to handle impromptu situations with ease.
Johnson’s Family
Ernie Johnson Jr.’s story is one deeply rooted in family and love. His narrative begins with a charming encounter with his future wife Cheryl, who caught his attention while working at a bank’s drive-up window in Macon, Georgia, where she was also studying at Mercer University. Her quick wit, authenticity, and strong work ethic drew him in immediately, and their relationship blossomed into marriage in 1982.
Johnson’s Children
Cheryl’s dedication to helping others, initially demonstrated through her involvement in youth mentorship, would later inspire the couple’s journey into adoption. In 1991, they traveled to Romania with the intention of adopting a baby girl. Instead, they found themselves drawn to a three-year-old boy named Michael, who had not yet learned to walk or talk. Despite the challenges ahead, they knew he was meant to be part of their family.
Their family continued to grow as they welcomed Carmen from Paraguay in 1993, and later, in 2011, twin sisters Allison and Ashley from the foster care system. Throughout his account, Johnson candidly discusses both the challenges and joys of their adoption experiences, sharing the profound impact these decisions had on their lives.
Johnson’s narrative extends beyond his immediate family to include touching tributes to his father, whose lessons and unwavering support deeply influenced his life. He also shares emotional reflections on his children’s weddings and their transitions into parenthood. While acknowledging the difficulties they’ve faced, including Michael’s battle with a life-threatening disease, Johnson’s story remains a testament to the transformative power of family love and commitment.
Johnson finds profound joy in witnessing his children’s major life milestones, especially their weddings, as he watches his family expand into new generations. He fondly remembers walking his daughter Maggie down the aisle, and watching his son Eric exchange vows with Quynh Truong in a ceremony that beautifully merged American and Vietnamese traditions. The journey of raising his family, despite its challenges and complexities, has brought him deep satisfaction.
These precious moments serve as powerful reminders of the enduring strength of family bonds. He treasures every opportunity to celebrate important milestones with his children and their partners, sharing in their accomplishments and warmly embracing new members into the Johnson family. For Johnson, there’s deep fulfillment in watching his children mature and establish their own families, creating the next chapter of their family’s story.
Johnson’s Relationship With His Father
Ernie Johnson Sr.’s influence on his son went far beyond baseball. Through his father’s example, Ernie Jr. learned the fundamental values of hard work, excellence, and honesty—principles that would guide both his personal life and professional career. By observing how his father carefully prepared for sports broadcasts and interacted sincerely with fans, Ernie Jr. absorbed essential lessons about humility, courtesy, and authenticity.
Ernie Sr. taught his son the crucial importance of maintaining integrity and choosing the moral high ground when facing criticism. This paternal guidance helped shape Ernie Jr.’s approach to challenges throughout his career, as he consistently met obstacles with empathy and understanding. To this day, Ernie Jr. finds deep inspiration in his father, who represents the perfect blend of talent, dedication, and integrity.
Johnson’s Struggle Against Cancer
In 2003, Ernie Johnson Jr. received a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a variant of blood cancer. He admitted to having ignored a growing lump near his left ear for some time, a decision he attributed to a combination of fear and denial. This diagnosis forced him to face his mortality head-on, leading him through a challenging journey that strengthened his religious convictions and required difficult conversations with loved ones.
The initial phase of his journey involved careful monitoring through regular doctor’s visits and scans to track the progression of his illness. One of the most challenging aspects was sharing the news with his family and trying to alleviate their fears and concerns. Throughout this period, Johnson’s faith became increasingly important to him, providing him with the belief that divine guidance would help him navigate each crucial decision.
His path to diagnosis began when he consulted a local bone specialist, who confirmed his fears that the swelling wasn’t merely a benign growth. This led to appointments with ear, nose, and throat specialists and other medical experts. A crucial moment came during a relatively simple procedure where doctors extracted a tissue sample using a fine needle. The analysis revealed the presence of abnormal lymphocytes, a type of immune cell.
The emotional impact hit hardest when the pathologist delivered the news, which was later confirmed by his cancer specialist, Dr. Leonard Heffner, as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While learning about his condition and the various treatment options introduced new uncertainties into his life, Johnson found solace and reassurance in the professional care of his medical team.
Finding Strength in God
Breaking the news of his diagnosis to his wife Cheryl and their four children proved to be one of the most challenging aspects of Ernie Johnson Jr.’s experience. While he felt the emotional burden deeply and struggled to convey the seriousness of his condition, he remained determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead. At first, he was reluctant to share everything with Cheryl—a choice he would come to regret, understanding later that couples should face such challenges together.
When he finally shared the news with his children—Eric, Maggie, Michael, and Carmen—their concerned faces touched him deeply. He emphasized to them the importance of maintaining open communication and trusting in God’s plan. Through this experience, Johnson learned that although sharing news of illness with family members is emotionally taxing, it’s a crucial step in dealing with the disease.
Throughout his health struggles and treatments, Johnson’s faith served as an unwavering foundation that provided him with optimism and resilience. A meaningful conversation with his pastor, Kevin Myers, transformed his perspective by assuring him that divine presence would always accompany him on his journey. The simple yet powerful principle “have faith in the divine. Period.” became his guiding light, giving him strength to face challenging circumstances.
Drawing inspiration from his mother and sister, who had both successfully battled cancer, Johnson approached his own diagnosis with determination and hope. He made a conscious choice to maintain his identity throughout his illness, preserving his natural sense of humor and living life to its fullest. Johnson emphasizes that maintaining an optimistic attitude, coupled with an steadfast faith in God, plays a vital role in navigating the challenging journey of fighting cancer.
Undergoing Cancer Treatment
During his six months of chemotherapy, Ernie Johnson Jr. endured significant mental and physical challenges. Through these difficult times, he found strength in the support of family and friends, while unexpected moments of inspiration and his strong spiritual beliefs helped sustain his determination.
The chemotherapy treatment brought severe side effects, including chills, fevers, and a weakened immune system. After his first infusion, Johnson spent five days hospitalized due to a dangerously low white blood cell count. Despite these obstacles, he persevered through all six therapy sessions, battling constant fatigue, nausea, and substantial hair loss. He later reflected with humor on the peculiar nature of his food aversions during treatment, never knowing which foods would become unpalatable.
The steadfast support of Johnson’s family and friends proved invaluable throughout his journey. His wife Cheryl remained a constant presence during his treatments, staying with him until each session ended and providing loving care when he felt ill. He felt deeply grateful for the encouragement he received from his colleagues at Turner Sports, as well as the thoughtful messages sent by both acquaintances and strangers who reached out via email. He credits this outpouring of love and support as crucial in helping him persevere through his demanding treatment schedule.
The Silver Linings
During his rigorous chemotherapy treatments, Johnson experienced unexpected acts of kindness and support from all directions. One memorable moment occurred when a stranger at a Dallas restaurant quietly paid his bill, leaving him with a profound sense of connection. When he returned from his first treatment, his colleagues at Turner Sports welcomed him back with warmth and encouragement that deeply touched him.
In the company of fellow cancer patients, Johnson found solace and understanding. They developed their own subtle ways of acknowledging their shared struggle, such as exchanging tight-fisted gestures. His sister Chris showed her support by participating in the Peachtree Road Race in his honor, while the constant love and attention from his daughters provided him essential comfort. As Ernie Johnson Jr. reflected, these moments of grace were like discovering wild blackberries—unexpected bright spots that reminded him he wasn’t fighting this battle alone.
The Cancer Goes Into Remission
Ernie Johnson Jr.’s perseverance and optimistic outlook were rewarded when he learned his cancer had gone into remission. He returned to his position as primary announcer at the beginning of the 2006-2007 NBA season, and he recalls with deep joy and gratitude the chance to begin a new chapter of life with his wife Cheryl.
His experience fighting cancer fundamentally changed him, giving him a greater appreciation for each day and bringing new meaning to his life. He sees his return to work not just as a personal victory, but as a testament to his determination and a reminder to never take good health for granted. Ernie Johnson Jr.’s journey serves as a powerful example of overcoming adversity and embracing life’s inherent value.
Life’s Unexpected Moments
Ernie Johnson Jr. emphasizes the importance of embracing life’s unexpected moments that shape our journey. He encourages us to cherish these unforeseen yet meaningful occurrences, which he poetically refers to as “blackberry moments.”
Johnson believes that life’s most profound impacts often come from unexpected events that catch us off guard and leave lasting impressions. He shares a story his father often told about young baseball players who paused their game to enjoy wild blackberries. This tale represents how we sometimes step away from our daily routines to appreciate unexpected beauty unfolding around us.
These opportunities are always present, Johnson maintains, if we develop the awareness to recognize them. They might appear as chance encounters with strangers sharing inspiring stories, unexpected expressions of love from those close to us, or moments of natural beauty. Such experiences enrich our lives, helping us recognize what truly matters and filling us with deep gratitude.
Personal Experiences and Acts of Kindness
Johnson draws a parallel between children absorbed by a thorny bramble and adults caught up in life’s rapid pace, often missing spontaneous moments that make life remarkable. He encourages mindfulness of the “blackberry patches” that divine providence places along our path, emphasizing the importance of slowing down to appreciate simple joys and chance encounters.
These pivotal moments have shaped Johnson’s own life, from meeting his wife Cheryl at a bank to expanding their family through adoption and receiving support during health challenges. He believes that by recognizing and valuing these seemingly small but crucial moments, we can develop deeper gratitude and rediscover wonder in our daily lives.
Johnson shares numerous examples of these life-altering moments, including when a stranger anonymously paid for his meal during chemotherapy treatments and various acts of kindness during his son’s hospital stay. These experiences demonstrated the presence of goodwill around us and its profound impact on our spirits.
His life has been marked by diverse experiences, from the connection he felt when Michael joined his high school basketball team to the kindness of a stranger who helped him and Cheryl find their car when lost in a park. These unexpected moments, like discovering wild blackberries, have shaped his perspective and highlighted our interconnectedness.
Modern Challenges and Divine Orchestration
In an era dominated by schedules, deadlines, and technology, Johnson emphasizes the importance of developing keen awareness of unplanned moments. He advocates putting away smartphones, looking beyond scheduled commitments, and embracing spontaneous conversations, acts of kindness, and opportunities for engagement that each day presents.
Johnson suggests these occurrences aren’t mere coincidences but deliberate interactions orchestrated by a divine presence deeply involved in our lives. By maintaining an attitude of openness and alertness to life’s unexpected moments, he believes we can access deeper happiness, appreciation, and engagement with our surroundings. These are the moments that transform ordinary life into something extraordinary.
The Presence of God in Johnson’s Life
Johnson’s story demonstrates how faith can powerfully transform the way we handle life’s challenges. Through his personal journey, he shows that surrendering to Christ and maintaining an active prayer life can build resilience and foster optimism. Even in difficult times, he found that unwavering trust in God’s timing provided the guidance needed to move forward.
Johnson’s Commitment to God
Johnson’s life fundamentally changed when he embraced Christianity in 1997. What began as a simple search for a church to take his children to eventually led to a deep personal awakening of faith. Through the mentorship of Kevin Myers, whose patient guidance helped him better understand biblical scriptures and Jesus’s teachings, Johnson developed a stronger spiritual foundation.
He describes his transformation from living a self-focused life to one guided by a higher purpose. This shift required him to trust in God’s plan, even during times of uncertainty and challenge. According to Johnson, this decision not only strengthened his relationship with God but also brought new meaning and direction to his life.
How God Carries Him Through
Johnson’s faith provided him with essential strength and peace during difficult times, particularly while facing his own health challenges and his son Michael’s battle with muscular dystrophy. Prayer became more than just a personal source of comfort; it served as a powerful force that positively affected his entire family. He drew particular inspiration from biblical teachings, especially the account in John 9 about a man born blind, which helped him understand that suffering often carries deeper meaning.
Johnson’s faith taught him that believing in God’s plan didn’t guarantee an easy life free from hardship. Rather, he learned to embrace life’s difficulties while seeking guidance and maintaining trust that divine direction would help turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Through his book, he demonstrates how faith can fundamentally change the way one approaches and handles life’s trials.
Prayer and Trust
Johnson has learned to value patience, a virtue he regularly practices, especially in his relationship with his child. He understands that divine timing often differs from our personal schedules, and while accepting this difference can be difficult, it ultimately brings contentment. He emphasizes that we must acknowledge our limited perspective and our inability to always see what lies ahead.
Prayer serves as Johnson’s constant companion, both in times of joy and difficulty. He finds comfort in seeking guidance, expressing gratitude, and sharing his concerns with a loving God who answers his prayers. Johnson advises others to embrace life’s unexpected paths, maintaining faith in a greater purpose even when the way forward seems uncertain, and remaining receptive to the wonderful surprises that life gradually reveals.
