John Johnson (linebacker) facts for kids
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | May 8, 1968 LaGrange, Georgia, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 240 lb (109 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | LaGrange (Georgia) | ||||||
| College: | Clemson (1987–1990) | ||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1991 / Round: 3 / Pick: 53 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||
John Vernard Johnson was born on May 8, 1968. He is a former American football player. John played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for five seasons. He played for the San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, and New Orleans Saints. The 49ers chose him in the 1991 NFL draft after he played college football at Clemson University.
Early Life and College Football
John Vernard Johnson was born in LaGrange, Georgia. He went to LaGrange High School. After high school, he played college football for the Clemson Tigers. He played for four years, from 1987 to 1990.
John was a very good player in college. He was named second-team All-ACC in both 1989 and 1990. This means he was one of the best linebackers in his college conference.
Playing in the NFL
The San Francisco 49ers picked John Johnson in the second round of the 1991 NFL draft. He was the 53rd player chosen overall. He officially joined the team on July 10, 1991.
In his first year, 1991, John played in nine games for the 49ers. He made five tackles. Later that year, he had to stop playing for a while because of an injury. After the 1991 season, he was free to sign with any team, but he chose to stay with the 49ers.
In 1992, John played in all 16 games for the 49ers. He started two of those games. He made 19 tackles and got one sack. He also caught an interception and ran it back 56 yards for a touchdown! That year, he also played in two important playoff games.
The 1993 season was a strong one for John. He played in 15 games and started 12 of them. He made 46 tackles, got two sacks, and caught another interception. He also caused three fumbles and recovered one. He started two more playoff games that year. The 49ers let John go from the team on June 10, 1994.
John then joined the Cincinnati Bengals on June 13, 1994. He played in five games for the Bengals that year. He made three solo tackles and one assisted tackle. The Bengals released him on October 4, 1994.
In 1995, John signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, he was released by the Chiefs on July 19, 1995.
John then signed with the New Orleans Saints on July 24, 1995. He was released again in August, but then re-signed in September. He was released one more time in October 1995. Overall, he played in one game for the Saints that season.
