Pepper Johnson is a former American football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He was born on July 29, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, and attended Ohio State University, where he played college football.
Johnson was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1986 NFL Draft. He played for the Giants for seven seasons, from 1986 to 1992, and was a key member of the team's defense during their Super Bowl victories in 1987 and 1991. Johnson was known for his toughness and physicality on the field, and was a leader on the Giants' defense.
After leaving the Giants, Johnson played for the Cleveland Browns for two seasons, from 1993 to 1994. He then played for the Detroit Lions for one season in 1995, before returning to the Giants for one final season in 1996.
In 1997, Johnson signed with the New York Jets, where he played for two seasons, from 1997 to 1998. He was a key member of the Jets' defense during their run to the AFC Championship Game in 1998.
After retiring from playing, Johnson began his coaching career. He served as an assistant coach for several NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans. He was a member of the Patriots' coaching staff during their Super Bowl victories in 2001, 2003, and 2004.
In 2014, Johnson was named the head coach of the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League (UFL). However, the league folded before the start of the 2015 season, and Johnson never coached a game for the Nighthawks.
Overall, Johnson had a successful career as a player and coach in the NFL. He was a key member of several championship teams, and his toughness and leadership were highly valued by his teammates and coaches.
🏈