Ron Johnson (wide receiver, born 1958) facts for kids

Ronald J. Johnson, born on September 21, 1958, is a former American professional football player. He was a wide receiver, which means he was a player who catches passes. Johnson played for five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL). He was also drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 1981. Before playing professionally, he played college football at Monterey Peninsula College and California State University, Long Beach. He also played in other leagues like the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the United States Football League (USFL) for the Portland Breakers.

Early Life and College Football

Growing Up in Monterey

Ronald J. Johnson was born on September 21, 1958. His hometown is Monterey, California. He went to Monterey High School in Monterey.

Playing for College Teams

Johnson started his college football career at Monterey Peninsula College in 1977. After that, he played for the Long Beach State 49ers. This team is part of Long Beach State University. He played there from 1978 to 1980.

College Statistics

In 1978, he caught eight passes for 170 yards. He also scored one touchdown. The next year, in 1979, he caught 19 passes for 367 yards. He scored four touchdowns that season. In 1980, Johnson had a great year. He caught 31 passes for 649 yards. He scored ten touchdowns, which was the most in the Pacific Coast Athletic Association that year.

Professional Football Career

Starting in the NFL Draft

Ron Johnson was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1981 NFL draft. He was picked in the seventh round. This was the 170th pick overall in the draft. He officially joined the team on June 2, 1981. However, he was released by the Seahawks on August 17, 1981.

Short Time with the Colts

After leaving the Seahawks, Johnson was picked up by the Baltimore Colts. This happened on August 19, 1981. But he was released again just a few days later, on August 25, 1981.

Playing in Canada

Johnson then signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. This team is part of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He joined them on March 10, 1982.

Tiger-Cats Seasons

In 1982, he played in 11 games for the Tiger-Cats. He caught 37 passes for 505 yards. He also scored five touchdowns. The next year, in 1983, he played in all 16 games. He had 53 catches for 914 yards and six touchdowns. In 1984, he played in 15 games. He caught 50 passes for 681 yards and two touchdowns. After the 1984 season, he became a free agent.

Time in the USFL

On May 15, 1985, Johnson signed with the Portland Breakers. This team was in the United States Football League (USFL). He played in the last six games of the 1985 USFL season. He made 22 catches for 476 yards. He also scored two touchdowns. He was released by the Breakers on July 26, 1985.

Years with the Philadelphia Eagles

Johnson joined the Philadelphia Eagles on July 22, 1985. He played in eight games for the Eagles in 1985. He caught 11 passes for 186 yards. He was placed on injured reserve on November 19, 1985.

Later Eagles Seasons

In 1986, Johnson played in 12 games. He had 11 catches for 207 yards and one touchdown. He was placed on injured reserve again that year. He re-signed with the Eagles on August 13, 1987. He played in three games during the 1987 season.

In 1988, Johnson played in ten games for Philadelphia. He started four of those games. He caught 19 passes for 417 yards and two touchdowns. He also played in one playoff game. In that game, he caught one pass for 31 yards. He re-signed with the team on May 1, 1989.

Final NFL Season

In 1989, Johnson played in 14 games, which was his most in the NFL. He started nine of those games. He caught 20 passes for 295 yards and one touchdown. His last NFL game was a playoff start. He caught two passes for 38 yards in that game. He became a free agent after the 1990 season.

Life After Football

After his football career, Ron Johnson became the President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County. This organization helps young people.

His Sons in Football

Johnson has two sons who also played football. His son, Evan, played college football for the BYU Cougars. Another son, Wesley, is a college football coach.