Rashad Johnson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Rashad Johnson

Johnson with the Arizona Cardinals in 2015
No. 49, 26, 25
Position:	Safety
Personal information
Born:	(1986-01-02) January 2, 1986 (age 39) Sulligent, Alabama, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:	204 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school:	Sulligent
College:	Alabama
NFL Draft:	2009 / Round: 3 / Pick: 95
Career history
As player:
Arizona Cardinals (2009–2015) Tennessee Titans (2016)
As coach:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022) Defensive assistant Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023–present) Assistant secondary coach
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-American (2008) 2× First-team All-SEC (2007, 2008)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 383 Sacks: 1.0 Forced fumbles: 2 Fumble recoveries: 4 Interceptions: 15 Defensive touchdowns: 3
Player stats at PFR

Julian Rashad Johnson, born on January 2, 1986, is a former professional football player. He played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL). The Arizona Cardinals picked him in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Early Life and School Days

Rashad Johnson grew up in Sulligent, Alabama. This town is very close to the Mississippi state line. His parents are Randy and Gloria Johnson.

He went to Sulligent High School. There, he was a star athlete in three sports: football, basketball, and track. He was also a great student, graduating fifth in his class of 54 students.

College Football Journey

When Rashad finished high school, he didn't get many offers for college football scholarships. The biggest schools that wanted him were The Citadel and North Alabama.

He visited the University of Alabama on his own. He decided to go there as a walk-on player. This means he joined the team without a scholarship at first. He started as a running back.

In his first year, he was "redshirted." This means he practiced with the team but didn't play in games. This allowed him to play for four full years later. As a freshman, he played in all 12 games on special teams. Special teams are units that play during kicks and punts.

Switching Positions and Earning a Scholarship

During his second year, the coaches told him he wouldn't be a starting running back. But they saw his talent and asked him to switch to defense. They wanted him to play safety. A safety is a defensive player who helps stop passes and tackles ball carriers.

That year (2006), he played in 11 games. He started four games as a free safety. He also earned a full scholarship, which was a big achievement! He made 33 tackles and caused two fumbles.

Leading the Team at Alabama

In 2007, his junior year, Rashad became a team captain. He started all 13 games. He led the team with 81 tackles and six interceptions. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player.

He was named Alabama Co-Defensive Player of the Year. He also made the first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) list. The SEC is a very strong college football league.

In 2008, during a game against LSU, Rashad had an amazing performance. He made three interceptions, which tied an Alabama record for one game. One of his interceptions he returned for a touchdown. Another interception in overtime helped Alabama win the game. This win secured their spot as SEC West Division champions.

For the 2008 season, he had 89 tackles and five interceptions. He was named first-team All-SEC and earned first-team All-American honors. This means he was recognized as one of the best college players in the whole country. He graduated with a degree in criminal justice.

Professional NFL Career

Arizona Cardinals Years

The Arizona Cardinals picked Rashad Johnson in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft. He was the 95th player chosen overall.

• 2009 Season: As a rookie, he played in 10 games.
• 2010 Season: He played in all 16 games and started one. He had 43 tackles and his first NFL interception.
• 2011 Season: He played in 16 games, starting nine of them. He made 50 tackles.
• 2012 Season: He played in 18 games and started three. He had 20 tackles and two interceptions. One of these was his first touchdown in the NFL! He caught a pass thrown by Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and ran it back for a score.

On March 12, 2013, Rashad signed a new three-year contract with the Cardinals. Before the 2013 season, he changed his jersey number from 49 to 26. During a game against the New Orleans Saints in September 2013, he had a finger injury. Later that season, he had his first game with two interceptions, both against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. In 2013, he started 7 of 13 games and had career highs with 58 tackles and three interceptions.

Rashad was also a key player on special teams. He made 41 special teams tackles in his first five seasons. In 2012, he even ran for 64 yards on two fake punts, getting first downs for his team.

Tennessee Titans Season

On March 25, 2016, Rashad Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. He played one season with the Titans, making 38 tackles and forcing one fumble.

On January 3, 2018, Rashad announced that he was retiring from playing in the NFL.

Career Statistics

Here are Rashad Johnson's statistics from his time playing in the NFL:

Life After Playing Football

After retiring from playing, Rashad Johnson stayed involved with football. In 2018, he joined the University of Alabama. He became a sideline reporter for their game day radio team. He also worked with the Alabama football staff in a role off the field.

In 2022, Johnson joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a defensive assistant coach. He continues to share his knowledge and experience with new players.