Former Ohio State line coach Justin Frye recalls emotional phone call with Cardinals tackle Paris Johnson

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson will have a friendly face as his new position coach.

Former Ohio State Line Coach Justin Frye Recalls Emotional Phone Call with Cardinals Tackle Paris Johnson

When it comes to relationships forged in the football world, few bond as deeply as that between coach and player. Such was the case for Justin Frye, the former Ohio State offensive line coach, and Paris Johnson Jr., one of the nation’s top offensive linemen, who now plays for the Arizona Cardinals. Their story together is more than one of just football—it’s about mentorship, trust, and a pivotal moment in a young athlete’s career.

A Rising Star at Ohio State

Paris Johnson Jr.’s journey to the NFL was built on a foundation of grit, talent, and the guidance of coaches like Justin Frye. As a highly touted recruit out of Cincinnati’s St. Xavier High School, Johnson made an immediate impact on the Ohio State Buckeyes’ offensive line, becoming a key player in one of the nation’s most dominant units.

Frye, who had been hired by Ohio State in 2018 as the offensive line coach, worked closely with Johnson over his years in Columbus. In 2021, Johnson took his game to new heights, becoming a standout on the offensive line, recognized for his agility, power, and leadership. It was clear to all that he had the potential to be one of the top offensive linemen in the country, and after declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft, that potential was realized when Johnson was selected with the 6th overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals.

The Emotional Call

It’s often said that the true measure of a coach is how much they care about their players, not just their performance on the field but their growth as people. For Justin Frye, this was something he learned firsthand when he received a phone call that would mark the emotional turning point in his relationship with Paris Johnson.

In an interview, Frye recalled the moment when he first heard from Johnson after the tackle had been selected in the draft. The phone call was a simple one in many ways, but for Frye, it held incredible significance. As Frye reflected on their relationship, he recalled the emotional exchange with his former player.

“It was a phone call I’ll never forget,” Frye said. “When Paris called me, it was one of those moments where I wasn’t just hearing from a player, I was hearing from someone I had watched grow into a man. We had so many conversations over the years, and as a coach, you always wonder if you did enough to help guide them, but to hear him express his gratitude and excitement about what was to come… it was overwhelming.”

Frye continued to describe the sense of pride he felt, watching Johnson achieve a dream that they had both talked about during their time together at Ohio State. But it wasn’t just the pride of seeing Johnson succeed; it was also the personal connection that had developed between them.

“I remember when he first came to Ohio State,” Frye recalled. “He was a young, raw talent, but there was something about him. He was driven, and he had this maturity to him that you don’t often see in someone that age. Over time, I got to know him not just as a player, but as a person. So when I got that call, I realized that the journey wasn’t just about the football games or the drills. It was about him growing up and accomplishing his dreams.”

The Lessons Learned

The phone call was not just an emotional reflection of their bond, but also a reminder of the lessons learned along the way. For Frye, coaching was never just about refining technique or making sure players knew their assignments. It was about teaching them how to deal with adversity, how to carry themselves with confidence, and how to understand the bigger picture of life beyond football.

Paris Johnson, now in the early stages of his NFL career, has already spoken highly of the lessons he learned from Frye. “Coach Frye is someone who doesn’t just focus on the X’s and O’s,” Johnson said in a recent interview. “He taught me how to be a better person, how to approach each day with the right mindset, and how to deal with setbacks. Those lessons are things that have carried me through a lot more than just football.”

The transition from college to the NFL is one of the most challenging for any player, and for an offensive lineman, it requires an entirely new level of preparation. Johnson was more than ready for the challenge, thanks in part to the work he did with Frye at Ohio State. Frye had always emphasized the importance of focusing on fundamentals, but more than that, he stressed the importance of mindset.

“You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have the right mentality, you’re going to struggle,” Frye explained. “That’s something Paris understood. He was always willing to work, always striving for greatness. That’s why I knew he was going to be successful in the NFL.”

A Long-Term Relationship

While Frye’s time coaching Johnson at Ohio State ended when he left for UCLA in 2022, their relationship didn’t end with his departure. In fact, it only grew stronger. As Johnson prepares to take the field for the Arizona Cardinals, Frye remains one of his most trusted mentors.

For Frye, seeing his former player succeed on the NFL stage is a testament to the impact they had on each other. “It’s humbling to watch him achieve his dreams,” Frye said. “But it’s also a reminder of how special our relationship is. We’ve always had a mutual respect, and now it’s amazing to see where he is and to know that I had a small part in his journey.”

The relationship between Frye and Johnson is one of deep respect, and it speaks to the larger role coaches play in the lives of their players. They’re more than just teachers—they’re mentors, advisors, and often a guiding light when it’s needed most. The bond between Justin Frye and Paris Johnson Jr. is a prime example of how football can transcend the field and become something more meaningful, more personal, and more lasting.

As Paris Johnson prepares for his rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals, it’s clear that the lessons learned under Justin Frye will continue to influence his career, both on and off the field. The emotional phone call that followed Johnson’s draft selection will serve as a lasting reminder of the impact a coach can have on a player’s life—long after the final whistle blows.