Chiefs legend Derrick Johnson warns 'the devil' is weakening American children

Former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson is publishing his first children's book this week in response to concerning patterns in how America's youth are being 'silenced.'

Seven years after playing his final NFL game, former Kansas City Chiefs star Derrick Johnson is turning his attention to educating the youth of America. 

Johnson, who published his first children's book Thursday, felt compelled to join the effort to encourage children to stand up for themselves against bullies after witnessing a negative influence on American youth in recent years. 

He blames "the devil" for this influence. 

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Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson during a game against the San Diego Chargers Nov. 22, 2015, in San Diego.  (Tom Hauck/Getty Images)

"The enemy really loves to get our kids in a corner to say, 'Hey, don’t tell nobody about nothing, just internalize it,'" Johnson told Fox News Digital. "The enemy is the devil. I'm a big believer in Jesus Christ, and the enemy is always at work, especially for kids that have potential. 

"And if kids don't have mentors around them, the enemy can manipulate them at times and make things seem more than what it is and make it seem like they don't have a way out. And that's when you get into kids really isolating themselves." 

Johnson encouraged parents to instill the teachings of Jesus Christ in their children to help counter these "harmful" elements. 

"If you're a child of God, nobody can dim that light. So, you were bought at a high price, by the blood of Jesus Christ, so that allows you to be here," Johnson said of the effect of Christianity on parenting. "Being able to have that identity in Christ is everything. It