Jovon Johnson facts for kids

Jovon Johnson (born November 2, 1983) is an American football coach and former player. He used to play as a defensive back in Canadian football. Today, he is the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach for Gannon University. He started this coaching role in 2024.

Jovon Johnson won the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award in 2011. He was playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at the time. He was the first defensive back ever to win this important award in the league. He was also chosen as a CFL All-Star twice and an CFL East Division All-Star five times. In 2007, he was part of the Saskatchewan Roughriders team that won the Grey Cup. He also played for other teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Erie RiverRats, Ottawa Redblacks, and Montreal Alouettes.

Early Life and College Football

Jovon Johnson grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania. He played high school football and basketball at Mercyhurst Prep. He graduated from high school in 2002.

After high school, he went to the University of Iowa. He was a starting player in the Hawkeyes' defensive backfield for all four years he was there.

Playing Professional Football

Time with the Pittsburgh Steelers

After college, Jovon Johnson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006. He mostly played on the Steelers' special teams. Special teams are groups of players who handle kicking plays, like kickoffs and punts. He made one tackle and one assist during his time with the team. The Steelers released him in October 2007.

Joining the Saskatchewan Roughriders

On October 5, 2007, the Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Johnson. This team is part of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He joined their practice squad. He played his first CFL game on October 21, 2007. He was part of the Roughriders team that won the 95th Grey Cup championship. The Grey Cup is the championship game of the CFL. Even though he was on the team, he did not play in the championship game itself.

Playing for the Erie RiverRats

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

Years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Jovon Johnson joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in April 2008. He quickly became a key player, starting in 17 out of 18 games in his first season. He led the team in defensive tackles with 57 and also made three interceptions.

He briefly returned to the Erie RiverRats in 2009. However, his contract with the Blue Bombers meant he could not play for another team. So, he went back to Winnipeg.

The 2011 season was a huge success for Johnson and the Blue Bombers. He helped lead the team to win their division for the first time in ten years. The Bombers' defense was very strong that year and called themselves 'Swaggerville'. Johnson was named the CFL East Division's Most Outstanding Defensive Player. He was also chosen as a CFL East Division all-star for the third time in a row. Later, he became a CFL All-Star for the second time.

Johnson then made history by becoming the first defensive back to win the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award. He was a standout player on a defense that allowed the fewest passing yards in the league. They also had the most team interceptions. He played alongside talented teammates like Jonathan Hefney and Alex Suber. Johnson continued to play well in 2012 and 2013. Over six seasons with the Blue Bombers, he made 363 tackles, 23 interceptions, and scored 7 defensive touchdowns. After the 2013 season, he became a free agent.

Moving to the Ottawa Redblacks

On February 12, 2014, Johnson signed with the Ottawa Redblacks. This was a new team in the CFL. In 2014, the team had a tough season, but Johnson recorded the first two sacks of his career. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the opposing quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. The next year, the Redblacks improved greatly and finished first in their division. Johnson was named an Eastern All-Star for the fifth time.

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 team. The Alouettes released him in June 2017 as teams finalized their rosters.

Return to the Saskatchewan Roughriders

Just two days after being released, Johnson rejoined the Saskatchewan Roughriders on June 19, 2017. He played in all 18 games for the Riders that season. He made 39 defensive tackles, two interceptions, and forced one fumble. After the season, he signed a new contract with the Riders.

Jovon Johnson officially retired from professional football on March 2, 2020. He signed a special one-day contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to retire as a member of that team.

Coaching Career

After his playing career, Jovon Johnson became a football coach.

• In 2020, he was hired as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for Defiance College.
• In 2022, he became the head coach for North East High School in his home state of Pennsylvania. He coached there for two seasons, with a total record of 10 wins and 11 losses.
• In 2024, he joined Gannon University as their special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach.