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Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson helps United Way

Derrick Johnson has been a key performer on the field for years, and now he'll devote time and energy to helping off the field.

By Bryan Kilpatrick
Peter Aiken - Getty Images

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson recently joined the United Way's TEAM NFL, which focuses on improving education in America, the team said in a press release.

Johnson was a first-time Pro Bowl selection in 2011, a season in which he accumulated 104 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions. Now, he's using his skills away from the field, as he'll try to help improve poor high school graduation numbers throughout the country. From the press release:

Johnson's passion for education will surely compliment the United Way's TEAM NFL campaign and become an asset to the local educational system.

Johnson, along with every other TEAM NFL member, is responsible for finding 3,000 volunteers each, with the ultimate goal of a million volunteers recruited throughout the country. The hope is that five years from now, high school dropout rates will be cut in half.

You can join Johnson's team by pledging to be a reader, tutor or mentor by clicking here.