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Millsap High School's head football coach, Jacob "Jake" Johnson, has died at 45 following a three-year battle with leukemia, his wife Cassie Johnson announced on Facebook. Johnson passed away on Friday, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond the football field.
In her post, Cassie Johnson remembered her husband as an educator at heart. "Everything was a teachable moment or he always thought of special things to do or lessons to be learned," she wrote. "He was the best football coach there ever was! He always said it was his job to create men then teach them how to play football."
Despite undergoing intensive stem cell treatments during his three-year fight with cancer, Johnson entered remission in the summer of 2026 and returned to coach the Bulldogs alongside his son, Braun, a standout running back. However, in early October, he stepped away from the team to receive additional treatment.
Millsap ISD Superintendent Dr. Harper Stewart issued a statement praising Johnson's impact. "Coach Johnson was a valued, respected, and impactful member of the Millsap Community for more than a decade," Stewart wrote. "His contributions to Millsap I.S.D. are generational, meaning his actions and service will shape the lives, values and circumstances of individuals for decades to come."
Johnson was hired as head coach and athletic director for the Millsap Bulldogs in 2015. Millsap, a Class 3A program in Parker County, is located approximately 45 miles west of Fort Worth. During his tenure, Johnson compiled a 52-71 record. In 2026, the Bulldogs were enjoying a resurgence, posting a 6-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 mark in district play, outscoring opponents by a combined 111 points over seven games.
Braun Johnson, who holds an offer from Lamar University, has been a star for Millsap, rushing for 1,835 yards and scoring 24 touchdowns this season.
Before taking the head job at Millsap, Johnson coached at several schools across North Texas. He served as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Southwest Baptist University, and held assistant coaching positions at Fort Worth Arlington Heights and Richland High School.
Tributes poured in from the coaching community. Lancaster assistant coach Kevin Whitley posted on X: "Man, RIP to my college teammate Jacob Johnson aka 'Rambo'. My heart goes out to his family. He was a good God fearing man. I send my sincere condolences & prayers."
Millsap, which is scheduled to play Eastland at 7 p.m., said it will provide more updates as they become available.
Originally reported by yahoo.