JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Buffalo Bills receiver Stevie Johnson could have flown home — and no one would have blamed him.
Johnson’s mother died unexpectedly Saturday at her Northern California home. Rhonda Lewis was 48.
Johnson and the Bills had already arrived in Jacksonville when he heard the devastating news. He sat down with coach Doug Marrone, who gave him the option of leaving or staying for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. He didn’t tell anyone else.
Johnson decided to stay with his teammates.
He says “whatever I can do to help out the team, I think I should give it my all no matter what. It was tough, but we got the win and I’m happy about that and I’m sure she’s happy about that.”
Johnson finished with one catch for 4 yards in Buffalo’s 27-20 victory.
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org
