Benny Johnson (American football) facts for kids

Benny L. Johnson was an American football player. He was born on June 29, 1948, and passed away on August 10, 1988. Benny played as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL). He spent five seasons playing for teams like the Houston Oilers and the New Orleans Saints.

Benny Johnson was chosen by the Houston Oilers in the sixth round of the 1970 NFL Draft. This is like a special lottery where professional teams pick new players. He played college football at Johnson C. Smith University. Before that, he went to Jones High School in Orlando, Florida. He also played for the Philadelphia Bell in another league called the World Football League.

Who Was Benny Johnson?

Benny L. Johnson was a talented athlete who loved football. He played a very important position called "defensive back." A defensive back's job is to stop the other team from catching the ball or running past them. They are often some of the fastest players on the field.

Benny's career in professional football lasted for several years. He played for different teams, showing his skills and dedication to the sport. His journey from high school to college and then to the NFL is a great example of hard work.

Early Life and High School Football

Benny Johnson was born in Fort Valley, Georgia. Growing up, he showed a lot of promise in sports. He attended Jones High School in Orlando, Florida. High school football is often where future stars begin to shine.

At Jones High, Benny was a key player on his team. Playing well in high school can help athletes get noticed by college scouts. These scouts look for talented players to offer scholarships to their universities.

College Football Days

After high school, Benny Johnson went on to play college football at Johnson C. Smith University. This university is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Playing college football is a big step up from high school. The competition is tougher, and the training is more intense.

At Johnson C. Smith, Benny continued to improve his skills as a defensive back. College football is often a stepping stone for players who dream of playing professionally. It's where they learn advanced strategies and play against other top athletes.

Playing in the NFL

Benny Johnson's dream of playing professional football came true in 1970. He was drafted by the Houston Oilers. Being drafted means a team officially selects you to join their roster. This was a huge achievement for Benny.

The NFL is the highest level of professional American football. Playing in the NFL means you are among the best football players in the world. Benny spent several seasons competing at this elite level.

Houston Oilers Years

Benny Johnson played for the Houston Oilers from 1970 to 1973. During these years, he was an important part of the team's defense. As a defensive back, he helped protect his team's end zone from opposing offenses.

Playing in the NFL requires incredible speed, strength, and quick thinking. Benny showed these qualities during his time with the Oilers. He wore different jersey numbers, including 33, 0, 28, and 22.

Other Teams and Leagues

After his time with the Houston Oilers, Benny Johnson also played for other teams. In 1974, he joined the Philadelphia Bell. This team was part of the World Football League (WFL). The WFL was a professional football league that existed for a short time.

Later, in 1976, Benny played for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. This showed his continued dedication to the sport. Playing for multiple teams is common in professional sports. It allows players to continue their careers and contribute to different franchises.

His Legacy

Benny L. Johnson passed away in 1988. He is remembered as a professional football player who achieved his dream. His career shows the hard work and talent needed to play at the highest levels of American football. He was a part of the history of both the NFL and the World Football League.