Ted Johnson is a former American football linebacker who played for the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on December 4, 1972, in Carlsbad, California, and attended the University of Colorado, where he played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes.
Johnson was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft and played for the team for his entire career, which spanned from 1995 to 2004. He was known for his toughness and physicality on the field, and was a key member of the Patriots' defense during their successful run in the early 2000s.
During his career, Johnson played in 125 regular season games and recorded 757 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions. He also played in 20 playoff games, including three Super Bowls, and was a part of the Patriots' championship teams in 2001, 2003, and 2004.
However, Johnson's career was also marked by injuries, particularly concussions. He suffered multiple concussions throughout his career, and in 2007, he revealed that he had been dealing with the long-term effects of those injuries, including memory loss and depression.
After retiring from football, Johnson became an advocate for concussion awareness and player safety. He has spoken out about the need for better protocols and treatment for players who suffer concussions, and has worked with organizations such as the Concussion Legacy Foundation to raise awareness about the issue.
Overall, Ted Johnson was a highly respected and successful player during his time in the NFL. He was a key member of the Patriots' defense during their championship runs, and his toughness and physicality on the field made him a fan favorite. However, his career was also a reminder of the dangers of football and the need for better player safety measures.
🏈