Tommy Johnson name 2024-25 Mississippi Football Official of the Year

In the world of sports, few individuals demonstrate the dedication and passion required to excel across multiple disciplines. Since 1992, Tommy Johnson has been a shining example of such commitment, serving as a multi-sports official with unwavering integrity and expertise.

“I was in college at Jackson State University and talking with my friend, Willie Robinson, about refereeing. I felt like refereeing could help me stay closer to the game,” he said.

Tommy was born May 27, 1958, in Starkville, MS. He was raised there until the day he left for college. “When I came to Thee I Love, I never left.”

Recently, Tommy received the prestigious honor of being named Mississippi’s Football Official of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). This accolade is a testament to his exceptional skills, fair judgment, and the respect he has earned from players, coaches, and fellow officials alike. When asked how he felt when he received the award he humbly stated “Whew, excited and caught off guard. It’s an honor to be recognized. We have a lot of other officials who could have received it, so it means a lot to me.”

Throughout his career, Tommy has officiated countless games; to include two on field state championships; each one a testament to his love for sports and his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of officiating. His journey is not just about the games he has overseen, but also about the positive impact he has had on the sports community in Mississippi. Over the years, he has dedicated himself to mentoring well-over 30 officials. Many of those he has mentored have gone on to achieve remarkable success, with several advancing to become college and NFL officials.

Tommy was asked ‘What does Friday Night Lights mean to you’? “It means the most exciting football in the world! I know some people will say college or the NFL but there’s nothing more exciting than Friday Night Lights!”

As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we also look forward to many more years of Tommy Johnson’s contributions to the world of sports. His story is an inspiration to all who aspire to make a difference through their passion and dedication.