Age is not always easy to guess accurately and a random number can leave people flattered or offended. People tread lightly on the guessing to avoid rubbing on other people’s insecurities unless you’re a football player. Then, it’s free game.
Jeremiah Johnson, a football player from Fort Worth, Texas, shocked Instagram users when they saw a photo of the young boy posing next to his MVP award. His age was the baffling truth — Johnson wasn’t in his mid-thirties, instead, he is only 12. He doesn’t resemble the typical pre-teen since he seems like an aged man with a muscular physique, facial hair and a half-sleeve tattoo.
Generation NEXXT, a youth sports school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, shared photos of Johnson on their Instagram account listing him as a 12-under player. His trophy read: “12U Division 1 Most Valuable Player.”
People weren’t sold on the age since they were convinced he was much older. “Bro looks like he gotta job a wife and two kids,” one person wrote.
Another added: “Youngin birth certificate says I’m 12 in blue crayon. With his senior graduation pic.”
People are hesitant to send their children in competition with Johnson as a parent added: “If that 12-year-old really 12, my son not playing football, these kids built different.”
Shana Evans, Johnson’s mother, confirmed her son’s age on Facebook. “Yes he’s on 12U (he meets ALL of the requirements),” she said. “No the tattoo isn’t real (duh). Yes, the goatee is tho.”