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Northwestern QB Hunter Johnson sheds light on absence during October
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Hunter Johnson had inconsistent results to start the season, but Northwestern’s transfer QB did not see the field at all in the month of October.
Johnson appeared in the first four games this season, completing 43 of 89 passes for 367 yards, a touchdown, and four interceptions. The Wildcats went 1-3 in those games.
That is not the kind of performance fans were hoping for. Unfortunately, Johnson missed three games in October with Northwestern falling in all three.
On Tuesday, Teddy Greenstein with the Chicago Tribune shared an update on why Johnson did not play in those games. Johnson told the Tribune that he has been dealing with a family medical issue as his mom battles breast cancer.
Fortunately, it sounds like the outlook is good:
“At this point things are good,” Johnson told the Tribune after practice Tuesday. “She has a couple more procedures, but really the bulk of it is out of the way. The chemo is done.
“My mom has been unbelievable through all this, so strong. She hasn’t flinched a bit. It has been tough for her, but she has kept a great face. It has been inspiring to me to know she will get through it.”
Greenstein went on to share that a “heart-to-heart” talk between Johnson and head coach Pat Fitzgerald led Fitzgerald to take football off his plate for the time being.
Despite not playing, Johnson has continued practicing with the team. Now that the worst appears to be done with, Johnson told Greenstein he wishes to play again. However, he is on board with whatever is best for the team moving forward.
Northwestern heads to Bloomington to take on Indiana this Saturday. For now, it looks like we will just have to wait and see if Johnson will indeed play.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.