Jason Johnson (wide receiver) facts for kids

Jason Mansfield Johnson, born on November 8, 1965, is a former American football player. He was a wide receiver, which is a player who catches passes. Jason played for two seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was part of the Denver Broncos and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also played college football at Illinois State University. Later, he joined the Frankfurt Galaxy in the World League of American Football (WLAF).

Early Life and College Football

Jason Mansfield Johnson was born in Gary, Indiana, on November 8, 1965. He went to West Side High School in Gary.

Johnson was a key player for the Illinois State Redbirds football team. He played for them from 1984 to 1987. He earned a "letterman" title each of those four years. This means he played well enough to earn a special award for his team. He later went back to college and finished his degree in December 1995.

Playing in the NFL

After college, Jason Johnson was not chosen in the 1988 NFL draft. However, the Denver Broncos signed him to their team on April 27, 1988. He was put on injured reserve in August but was able to play by October 1988.

During the 1988 season, he played in eight games for the Broncos. He caught one pass for six yards. He also returned 14 kicks for 292 yards and one punt for five yards. After this season, he became a free agent, meaning he could sign with any team.

Playing for the Steelers

On March 16, 1989, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Johnson. He played in 14 games for them in 1989. He returned three kicks for 43 yards and two punts for 22 yards. After the 1989 season, he became a free agent again.

Johnson returned to the Denver Broncos on March 28, 1990. However, he was released from the team on September 3, 1990.

Playing in the World League

In 1991, Jason Johnson played for the Frankfurt Galaxy. This team was part of the World League of American Football. He played in all ten games and started nine of them. He caught 38 passes for 635 yards and scored four touchdowns. The Galaxy had a good season with seven wins and three losses. However, they did not make the playoffs.

Johnson also signed with the New Orleans Saints on July 17, 1991. But he was placed on injured reserve shortly after, on July 29, 1991.

He went back to play for the Frankfurt Galaxy in 1992. That year, he caught 22 passes for 268 yards and scored one touchdown.

Coaching Football

After his playing career, Jason Johnson became a football coach. He was the head coach at his old high school, West Side High School, from 2011 to 2017. While coaching there, he even coached his own son, Jon'Vea Johnson, who also became a football player.