How Mississippi State football, Chi Omega brought Jett Johnson and his mom to Starkville

STARKVILLE — From the brick stairs to the white pillars and double doors, there is plenty about the Chi Omega house that makes it fit into the Greek life scene on Mississippi State’s campus.

The sentiment is evident in August when, in the midst of the sweltering heat, the exterior of the house is flooded with balloons and disco balls, the pageantry and excitement of rush week on full display. But when football season arrives, a special piece of décor goes up that separates Chi O from the rest.

In the serving area of the house, a poster of the football team is impossible to miss. At the center of the photo is linebacker Jett Johnson – better known in the house as, "Mama Fran’s boy" – leading the Bulldogs onto the field.

The women in the house know why it’s showcased. When your house mom is the actual mom to the SEC’s reigning leading tackler, of course you know.

“They know No. 44,” Frances Johnson told the Clarion Ledger.

Frances’ journey from Ole Miss to Mississippi State

Like most parents, Frances was emotional when Jett signed as part of MSU’s 2018 recruiting class. However, Jett jokes there was more to the tears than a proud mom moment.

“She was a big Chi O at Ole Miss,” Jett said.

What Frances, whose father Lloyd Tate played football at Ole Miss, didn’t know was that Jett's commitment was only a step in her adoption of the maroon and white.

She had gotten a taste of it with her oldest son, Tate, already working toward his undergraduate degree at MSU when Jett committed. But with Jett leaving, her schedule was about to open up after years of constantly having things to do with Jett, who was a three-sport athlete at Tupelo.

Thanks to her infatuation for working with children and young adults, Frances found a way to make the move to Starkville.

Frances has experience with youth groups, volunteered at a home for abused and neglected children and worked as a camp counselor in Alabama. She also took part in mission trips, including one with Jett just before his departure for Starkville. Among those on the mission trip was a newly pledged Chi Omega at MSU.

Shortly after, Frances was informed by her that the longtime Chi Omega house mom was leaving.

“We got my cover letter and my resume ready," Frances said. "So, I came with Jett.”

Why Frances is the ‘strongest person’ Jett knows

To sorority members, a house mom plays an important role. She's often viewed as a mentor in a crucial period of life. If a student in her house needs something, she can offer advice.

Frances will often invite students on her walk to the mailbox on campus. They’ll discuss whatever situation is at hand as they make the trip there and back. For Jett, it’s no surprise to see Frances fill that role given what she has faced.

In 1990, she and Greg Johnson lost their firstborn son Miles at age 2 following a battle with leukemia. Frances and Greg later divorced. And her parents went through a divorce as she was entering college.

“She’s probably the strongest person I know,” Jett said. “She’s gone through a lot of stuff in her life. She’s kept her faith throughout it all – been very steadfast. She’s like a rock. You can go to her with anything. I’ve had a countless number of Chi O girls come up to me and say, ‘We love your mom. We can talk to her about anything. She’s a great role model and Christian woman to grow up around.’ That speaks volumes about her.”

Jett Johnson’s NIL deal

Jett has elected to use NIL in a way that benefits others. Last week, he signed a deal with the Nat Grubbs Agency – an insurance agency in Tupelo. Based on Jett's statistics, the agency gives money to the Tupelo High Football Booster Club.

He recorded 11 tackles (seven solo), two tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions in last week's win against Arizona. That amounts to about $760 in donations.

“He’s just modeling what he’s been raised with – to be socially aware that, ‘Hey, I’ve got everything I need,’ ” Frances says.

He had a similar deal last year with JUVA − a juice and smoothie bar. Proceeds from his play went toward the Tupelo Police Athletic League — the Tupelo Police Department's youth program.

"I take a lot from (Frances)," Jett said. "She does a lot of stuff for the community. Also, my dad (Greg Johnson) does a ton of stuff. He's always giving back and probably the most selfless person I know with money and giving back. I get a lot of that from both of them."

Inside Frances’ gameday routine and bond with Jett

It wasn’t long ago that Jett was an afterthought in the SEC, let alone the conference’s leading tackler. In his first three seasons in Starkville, he appeared in just seven games. Yet, in the era of the transfer portal, he preferred to learn under players such as Willie Gay Jr. at Mississippi State than leave.

“He trusts the process,” Frances said. “He trusts God, too.”

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Before each game, Frances says a prayer with Jett – usually in person, but sometimes via call or text. While holding his hand or putting her hand on his shoulders, she thanks God for the, “super natural abilities physical and mentally” Jett got. She asks for Jett to see the things he needs to see and be where he needs to be. She asks for a, “blanket of protection” around her son.

From there, as will be the case Saturday (11 a.m., ESPN) when MSU (2-0) hosts No. 14 LSU (1-1), Jett takes the field for a collegiate career nearing its end. With each tackle made by No. 44, there will be a house mom cheering along with a couple hundred of her closest friends.

“It’s cool to have the Chi O support,” Jett said. “Hopefully they like me and they love her.”

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State football, sorority bring Jett Johnson, mom to campus