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‘He’s not supposed to be here’ — ‘Duck’ Johnson defied odds to return to Riesel dugout, beloved community
By By MICHAEL HAAG at Waco Tribune-Herald
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
After a coma, multiple brain surgeries and a fight for his life, Riesel coach ‘Duck’ Johnson made an unbelievable return to the dugout in 2025, leading to his newly-minted retirement.
Why this matters in The Waco
The return of 'Duck' Johnson to the Riesel dugout in 2025 was a testament to his perseverance and the community's support. His journey back from a coma and multiple brain surgeries resonated deeply with local residents, who rallied around him during his recovery. Johnson's determination to reclaim his role as coach inspired countless individuals in McLennan County, demonstrating the strong bonds that exist between local sports teams and their communities. As he begins his retirement, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the lives of young athletes in Riesel and beyond. The community's affection for Johnson is a reflection of the close-knit nature of Waco area neighborhoods, where local figures often become beloved institutions. His retirement marks the end of an era, but the impact of his coaching and his courageous comeback will be felt for years to come in the local sports scene.
About this story
Original reporting by Waco Tribune-Herald . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Waco Tribune-Herald . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? After a coma, multiple brain surgeries and a fight for his life, Riesel coach ‘Duck’ Johnson made an unbelievable return to the dugout in 2025, leading to his newly-minted retirement.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Waco Tribune-Herald and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by By MICHAEL HAAG at Waco Tribune-Herald. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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