Charles Johnson is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams during his career. Johnson played college football at the University of Georgia, where he was a standout defensive end and earned All-SEC honors in his senior year.
After going undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft, Johnson signed with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent. He spent the majority of his career with the Panthers, playing for the team from 2007 to 2015. During his time in Carolina, Johnson established himself as one of the team's top pass rushers, recording 63.5 sacks and 17 forced fumbles. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and was a key member of the Panthers' defense that led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2015.
In 2016, Johnson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but his time with the team was short-lived. He was released after just one season and signed with the Panthers once again for the 2017 season. However, Johnson's production declined in his final season, and he announced his retirement from the NFL in 2018.
Throughout his career, Johnson was known for his speed and agility as a pass rusher. He was also praised for his work ethic and leadership on and off the field. Despite going undrafted, Johnson proved himself to be a valuable player in the NFL and was a key contributor to the success of the teams he played for.
Off the field, Johnson has been involved in various charitable endeavors, including his own foundation, the Charles Johnson Foundation, which focuses on providing resources and support to underprivileged youth in his hometown of Hawkinsville, Georgia. Johnson has also been recognized for his contributions to the community, receiving the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2012 for his philanthropic work.
Overall, Charles Johnson had a successful career in the NFL, establishing himself as one of the league's top pass rushers during his time with the Carolina Panthers. He was a key contributor to the team's success and was recognized for his leadership and work ethic both on and off the field.
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