About Tim
Old is Gold!
The silver- haired head is a crown of glory...Proverbs 16:31
Tim Johnson | Encouragement Coach, Broadcaster, Speaker, Leader of Men
"Keep On!" It's not just a message—it's a mission.
Tim Johnson is a nationally recognized broadcaster, transformational speaker, and encouragement coach with nearly 50 years of experience inspiring leaders in athletics, business, and faith. As the longest-tenured wrestling broadcaster in history and a seasoned leadership mentor, Tim is passionate about helping men lead well in their “Third Third” of life, the crucial decades of 60s, 70s, and 80s—when wisdom, influence, and spiritual depth can have their most lasting impact.
Tim considers himself an “Encouragement Coach”—or as he likes to call it, “Mencouragement.” His purpose is simple yet profound: To inspire leaders by encouraging and coaching them with the love and wisdom of Christ. (Philippians 1:9-11)
He delivers this message through his coaching sessions, keynote talks, and emcee work—bringing energy, authenticity, and spiritual grounding to everything he does.
A Life of Overcoming and Encouragement
At age six, Tim nearly lost his leg in a traumatic lawnmower accident. It was only the heroic actions of an Eagle Scout and a skilled surgeon that saved his life—and his leg. Despite enduring eight surgeries in eight years, Tim's resilience and love for sports never waned. When he was told he couldn’t play football, a legendary coach gave him the words that would change his life:
"Timmy, as long as you wrestle, you’ll be okay.”
Tim calls that moment the "Life-Changing Power of Well Chosen Words, " a revelation that ignited his calling to inspire others.
Leadership in Sports and Beyond
Tim went on to become a successful high school wrestling coach, the Director of Wrestling for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and later, the “Voice of College Wrestling” for Iowa Public Television, ESPN, and the Big Ten Network. He has broadcast over 500 collegiate wrestling events and is a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. His leadership extended into ministry as well, serving for 30 years in various executive roles with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)—eventually overseeing 240 staff across five states and developing programs that impacted thousands of lives. From 2007–present, Tim continues to engage, edify and encourage high capacity leaders, helping them magnify Christ in their spheres of influence through Pinnacle Forum www.pinnacleforum.com.
Tim’s Signature Message: Keep On!
Tim’s message is anchored in what he calls “winning in overtime”—the belief that your later years are not for coasting, but for sprinting into your highest calling.
His speaking, coaching, and emcee work focus on encouraging leaders to:
Flourish in their “Third Third” of life. Stay in S.H.A.P.E. (Spirit, Heart, Attitude, Purpose, Everyday) Never stop growing, leading, or believing in God’s plan. His 5 S’s framework (Shape, "Go to" Scoring Move, Strategy, Sucking It Up, and Surrender) helps leaders endure, adjust, and lead with humility, strength, and faith.
Honors & Recognition:
🏅 National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Order of Merit Award)
🏅 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame
🏅 Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame
🏆 NWCA Broadcaster of the Year
🏆 W.I.N. Magazine Journalist of the Year
🏆 Coe College Alumni Award of Merit 2025
Personal Life
A native of Morning Sun, Iowa, Tim holds degrees from Coe College (BA) and the University of Northern Iowa (MA). He resides in Champaign, IL, and the Lake of the Ozarks, and enjoys golfing with friends and being "Papa" to his grandsons.
Rick Horton
Former Major League Baseball pitcher and current radio announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals
"I have had years of experience being served by Tim in FCA as he has lead our area of FCA. I have been challenged, encouraged and empowered to be more a man of vision from Tim’s example and his leadership. He has done this by consistently communicating that I am good but I can be better. That’s what a coach does. He has been a friend, coach and inspiration and I am grateful for his influence in my life and in my work."
What's Next?
After retiring from FCA, Tim isn’t slowing down—he’s “rehiring” himself for the Kingdom. Whether through speaking, coaching, or emceeing, he continues to pour into others the same encouragement that shaped his own life. One of those voices was legendary coach Dan Gable, Tim’s broadcast partner for over a decade. Before joining the Iowa Public Television team, Gable pointed a finger straight at Tim and said, “Timmy, you’re good—but you can be better.” That challenge stuck. Today, Tim's mission is simple: to be better—and help others do the same.
To help you Keep On! becoming the man and leader you were created to be.
1 PETER 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time.
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Keep On adjusting. Keep On leading. Keep On believing. Keep On!
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