Mike Johnson (cornerback) facts for kids
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| Position: | Cornerback | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | October 7, 1943 Denver, Colorado, U.S. |
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| Died: | March 19, 2003 (aged 59) | ||||
| Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 184 lb (83 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Garden City (KS) | ||||
| College: | Kansas | ||||
| AFL draft: | 1966 / Round: 14 / Pick: 125 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||
Michael Alan Johnson (October 7, 1943 – March 19, 2003) was an American professional football player. He played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). Mike Johnson played for the Dallas Cowboys. He was chosen by the Oakland Raiders in the 1966 AFL draft. This happened after he played college football at the University of Kansas.
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Early Life and College Football
Mike Johnson was born on October 7, 1943, in Denver, Colorado. He went to Garden City High School in Kansas. After high school, he attended the University of Kansas.
At the University of Kansas, Mike played college football. He was in the same offensive backfield as the famous player Gale Sayers. Mike faced some injuries during his college years. These injuries affected how much he could play. He was supposed to be the main running back in his senior year.
Professional Football Career
Mike Johnson was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1966. He was the 125th player picked overall in the 14th round of the 1966 AFL Draft. However, he decided to sign with the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL) instead. He joined the Cowboys as a free agent in the 1966 season.
Becoming a Defensive Back
The Cowboys saw how well Mike tackled on special teams in college. Because of this, they changed his position to a defensive back. As a rookie, he played on special teams. He also played as a linebacker when other teams used their fast-paced "two-minute offense."
Playing for the Dallas Cowboys
In the 1967 season, Mike became the starting right cornerback. He took over the spot from Warren Livingston. That year, he made 5 interceptions.
In the 1968 season, Mike recorded 3 interceptions. However, he later returned to the bench. This happened after Dick Daniels moved to safety. Also, Mel Renfro moved to right cornerback. In the 1969 season, Mike lost his starting job to Phil Clark.
Moving to the Chicago Bears
On August 3, 1970, Mike Johnson was traded to the Chicago Bears. The Bears gave the Cowboys a draft choice in return. However, Mike was released by the Bears on September 8 of that same year.
Later Life and Passing
Mike Johnson passed away on March 19, 2003. He was 59 years old.
