Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — John Hunter is only in his second season as the offensive line coach at American Fork High School, but in that short time he has had a significant impact on the program and the kids he coaches.
The knowledge "Big John" has passed along to his players has been invaluable to their development.
"John is like a father to all of us," said offensive lineman Mason Price. "He's always been there for us."
Hunter was an offensive lineman for BYU from 1984-88 and went on to play six years in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks. He also spent several years coaching at Snow College.
"He played in the NFL and he knows exactly what he's talking about," said Cavemen lineman James Empey. "He knows how to coach it, too, so it's easy to take in."
Hunter looked forward to coaching this fall but almost didn't get that chance. Last March, he began suffering from infections related to surgery he had on his shoulder. The effects of the infections intensified and landed him in the hospital.
My kidney's shut down and my heart started having problems. I ended up in a coma for about 10-11 days. They started having the 'pull the plug' conversation.
–John Hunter
"My kidney's shut down and my heart started having problems," he recalled. "I ended up in a coma for about 10-11 days. They started having the 'pull the plug' conversation."
He had to be brought back to life three times, but, miraculously, after doctors thought he wouldn't survive, his condition improved. He believes prayers from loved ones, community members and his players had a role in his survival.
"It was a combination of miracles," he said. "This offensive line group and this team shared a lot of prayers."
Players got together and prayed after lifting. They visited their ailing coach in the hospital after workouts.
"I have no doubt they did because it was one miracle after another," Hunter said.
"They constantly did whatever they could to let him know they were thinking about him," said American Fork head coach Aaron Behm.
The recovery was difficult. Hunter had to learn how to walk again, and something as simple as eating was very difficult. He still doesn't have the energy he used to have and gets around practice with the use of a golf cart donated to the program.
He has tackled those challenges just as he did during his playing days. He's just grateful to be alive and for the love and support he and his family received during a difficult time.
"If you don't believe there is life after this life, I can tell you for a surety that there is, and I had those experiences," he said.
His near death experience has changed him. He is enjoying his new lease on life and believes he was given a second chance for a reason.
"I am a different guy than I was eight months ago," he said. "Daily, I find more things, more reasons to be here. My wife put it this way: 'There is a difference between being alive and living.' Allowing me the opportunity to help coach? That's living."
"We are so grateful to have him back," Behm said. "Not only for his coaching and what he does for the boys, but as a friend."
