Jovon Johnson facts for kids

Jovon Johnson (born November 2, 1983) is an American college football coach and former Canadian football player. He played as a defensive back. Since 2024, he has been the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach for Gannon University.

Johnson won the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award in 2011 while playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was the first defensive back to ever win this award in the league. He was also named a CFL All-Star twice and a CFL East Division All-Star five times. In 2007, he was part of the Saskatchewan Roughriders team that won the Grey Cup, which is like the Super Bowl of Canadian football. He also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Erie RiverRats, Ottawa Redblacks, and Montreal Alouettes.

Early Football Days

High School and College Career

Jovon Johnson played high school football and basketball at Mercyhurst Prep in Erie, Pennsylvania. He graduated in 2002. After high school, he went to the University of Iowa. He was a starter in the Hawkeyes' defensive backfield for all four years he played there.

Professional Football Journey

Playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers

After college, Johnson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006. He mostly played on the Steelers' special teams, which are units that handle kickoffs, punts, and field goals. He recorded one tackle and one assist during his time with the team. He left the Steelers in October 2007.

Joining the Saskatchewan Roughriders

On October 5, 2007, Johnson signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was first placed on their Developmental Squad. He played his first CFL game on October 21, 2007. Even though he didn't play in the championship game, he was part of the team that won the 95th Grey Cup that year.

Playing for the Erie RiverRats

In early 2008, Johnson signed with his hometown team, the Erie RiverRats, which was part of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA). He had previously signed with another Erie team, the Erie Freeze, but chose to play for the Steelers instead.

Time with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Johnson joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in April 2008. He quickly became a key player, starting in 17 of 18 games during the 2008 CFL season. He led the Blue Bombers in defensive tackles with 57 and also made 3 interceptions.

In 2009, he briefly returned to the Erie RiverRats for one game. However, his contract with the Blue Bombers prevented him from playing for other teams, so he returned to Winnipeg.

The 2011 Winnipeg Blue Bombers season was a great year for Johnson. He helped lead the Bombers to win their division for the first time in ten years. He was a standout player on the Bombers' defense, which called itself 'Swaggerville'. He was named the CFL East Division's most outstanding defensive player. He also earned his third straight CFL East Division All-Star award and his second CFL All-Star team selection. Johnson then made history by becoming the first defensive back to win the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award. He was a top player on a defense that allowed the fewest passing yards and had the most team interceptions in the league. He played alongside talented teammates like Jonathan Hefney, Alex Suber, and Brandon Stewart.

Johnson continued to play well for the Blue Bombers in 2012 and 2013. Over six seasons with the team, he made 363 tackles, 8 special teams tackles, 23 interceptions, 8 fumble recoveries, and scored 7 defensive touchdowns. After the 2013 season, the Blue Bombers did not re-sign him, and he became a free agent in February 2014.

Moving to the Ottawa Redblacks

On February 12, 2014, Johnson signed with the Ottawa Redblacks. In 2014, he recorded the first two sacks of his career. The Redblacks were a new team that year and finished with a tough 2-16 record. However, the next year, the Redblacks finished first in the CFL East Division. Johnson was named an Eastern All-Star for the fifth time in his career.

Playing for the Montreal Alouettes

Johnson signed with the Montreal Alouettes on February 10, 2016. He played in all 18 games during his first season with the Alouettes. He was released by the Alouettes in June 2017 as teams finalized their rosters.

Return to the Saskatchewan Roughriders

On June 19, 2017, the Roughriders announced that Johnson had rejoined the team. He played in all 18 games for the Riders, making 39 defensive tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. After that season, Johnson and the Riders agreed to extend his contract.

On March 2, 2020, Jovon Johnson signed a special one-day contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers so he could officially retire as a member of that team.

Coaching Career

After his playing career, Jovon Johnson became a coach.

Coaching at Defiance

In 2020, Johnson was hired as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for Defiance College. He held these positions until 2021.

Leading North East High School

In 2022, he became the head coach for North East High School in North East, Pennsylvania. He coached there for two seasons. His team had a record of 2 wins and 8 losses in 2022. In 2023, his team improved significantly, winning 8 games and losing 3, and they finished first in their conference. He resigned after the 2023 season, with an overall coaching record of 10 wins and 11 losses.

Coaching at Gannon University

In 2024, Erik Raeburn hired Johnson to join the coaching staff at Gannon University. Johnson is now the team's special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach.