ASBURY PARK – This version of Hard Knocks features some football history and twin sisters, Elani and Enyia Johnson, who are making waves on the field. In the midst of intense practices, these sisters stand out, playing some of the toughest positions and tackling drills head-on.
“I enjoy playing football,” Elani shared, “I enjoy going up against bigger competitors to get myself better at the position I’m in.” Her sister, Enyia, added, “I’m learning new things, things I haven’t learned yet, like when people want different gaps, or who I’m supposed to block.” Enyia plays center, while Elani plays on both the offensive and defensive lines. Their discipline, dedication to technique, and willingness to compete against—and tackle—boys are remarkable. While women have played football before, the sight of twin sisters thriving in the trenches is truly unique.
Elani highlighted the rarity of their situation: “As a female, you don’t see any other females, girls playing football with men. I’m going up against 18-year-olds, and I’m only 14 as a freshman. You don’t see anyone doing what me and my sister are doing.” Their passion for the game runs deep; football is in their DNA, inherited from family members who were former players. Their involvement began in childhood, and their contributions to the team are undeniable.
Their cousin and coach, Will Johnson, attests to their dedication: “They take pride in everything they do; that’s something that’s been embedded in them since they were young.” He doesn’t give them special treatment; they participate fully, without complaint. “They fit right in,” Johnson stated. “They do everything everybody else does, they don’t take days off. They don’t say, ‘Hey, we’re females.’ They want to be treated like everybody else.”
These 14-year-old freshmen at Asbury Park High School approach the game with unwavering seriousness. Often, their opponents are completely unaware of their gender until the helmets come off. “I don’t think they probably know we are girls until we take off our helmets,” Enyia said. Their simple philosophy guides them: “Ignore all the haters, all of them, stick to yourself. That’s really it.”
*(Originally reported September 2024)*