Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2009
- Class:
- 1962
Johnson was a key contributor for legendary Coach Dan Devine for three seasons on both sides of the ball. He started at safety in both 1961 and ‘62, after being a key reserve in 1960. He served as the backup quarterback to Ron Taylor in 1960-61 before taking over the starting position in 1962. In 1961, the southpaw filled in for an injured Taylor in two games and led the Tigers to a 13-7 win over Iowa State and an upset 10-7 win over favored Kansas. In 1962, he led a rushing attack that finished seventh in the nation in rushing and ninth in scoring. He continued to play at safety and returned punts on occasion. He is the last Tiger player to rush for a touchdown, throw for a touchdown and intercept a pass in the same game. The 1962 team is likely one of the more underrated in Tiger history, as it finished 8-1-2, the last MU team to have only one loss in a season and finished the season with the second bowl victory in MU history. While the offense ranked sixth in the NCAA, the defense that Johnson starred on also ranked ninth in total defense and allowed only 52 points all season. After his MU playing days, he participated in the East-West Shrine Game, and went on to spend two seasons with Buffalo as a tight end (1963-64). He began his coaching career as head coach at Missouri Southern (1967-68) then spent four years each at Drake and Indiana. From 1977-83, Johnson served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Notre Dame under Devine, a stint that included a national championship in 1977. He then coached two years in the USFL before moving on to the NFL where he coached for 22 years and became regarded as one of the top defensive masterminds in league history. After stints with the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals, the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks, he joined Andy Reid’s staff in Philadelphia in 1999. From 1999-2008, he gained praise as the orchestrator of the renowned Eagles defense. His aggressive style kept Philadelphia at or near the top of the NFL in nearly every major defensive category. From 2000-08, Johnson’s units ranked second in the NFL in sacks (390), 3rd-down efficiency (34.0%) and red zone touchdown percentage (43.9%), and fourth in fewest points allowed (17.7 per game). During his 10-year tenure in Philadelphia, the Eagles earned seven playoff berths, five trips to the NFC Championship game and one Super Bowl appearance (following the 2004 season). As the Eagles’ defensive chief, Johnson’s defense produced 26 Pro Bowl selections. A native of Maywood, Illinois, Johnson earned two degrees at Missouri.
