Johnson first played college football at Phoenix Junior College from 1968 to 1969.[1] He was then a two-year letterman for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1970 to 1971.[1] In 1971, he earned Associated Press (AP) first-team All-Big Eight and AP third-team All-American honors in his only season as a Nebraska starter.[2][3] He was also a member of the Nebraska teams that won the national championship in both 1970 and 1971. Johnson was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 2014.[2]
Professional career
Johnson was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round, with the 112th overall pick, of the 1972 NFL draft.[4] He officially signed with the team on May 20, 1972.[5] He played in all 14 games, statting seven, for the Saints during his rookie year in 1972, recording one fumble recovery.[4] He appeared in all 14 games, starting 12, during the 1973 season and made one fumble recovery.[4] Johnson was released by the Saints on September 9, 1974.[5]
