Johnnie Johnson was a talented American football player who played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He was born on August 22, 1959, in Phoenix, Arizona, and attended Phoenix Union High School. Johnson was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in football, basketball, and track and field. He was named the Arizona High School Player of the Year in 1976.
After high school, Johnson attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played college football for the Texas Longhorns. He was a four-year starter for the Longhorns and was named an All-American in 1978 and 1979. Johnson was also a two-time All-Southwest Conference selection and helped lead the Longhorns to two conference championships.
In 1980, Johnson was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the NFL Draft. He played for the Cardinals for six seasons, from 1980 to 1985. During his time with the Cardinals, Johnson established himself as one of the best safeties in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1984 and was a two-time All-Pro selection.
In 1986, Johnson signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a free agent. He played for the Rams for three seasons, from 1986 to 1988. Johnson continued to play at a high level with the Rams and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1987.
After the 1988 season, Johnson retired from the NFL. He finished his career with 22 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries, and 5.5 sacks. Johnson was known for his hard-hitting style of play and his ability to read and react to the opposing team's offense.
After retiring from football, Johnson returned to Texas and became a successful businessman. He founded a company called Johnny Johnson Insurance and also worked as a motivational speaker. Johnson was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Longhorn Hall of Honor in 2012.
In addition to his football career and business ventures, Johnson has also been involved in philanthropy. He founded the Johnnie L. Johnson Foundation, which provides scholarships and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth in the Phoenix and Austin areas.
Overall, Johnnie Johnson was a talented and successful football player who made a significant impact on the NFL during his nine-year career. He was a fierce competitor on the field and a respected leader in the locker room. Johnson's legacy as a player and businessman continues to inspire and motivate others to this day.
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