Stevie Johnson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Stevie Johnson

Johnson with the San Francisco 49ers in 2014
No. 13, 11
Position:	Wide receiver
Personal information
Born:	(1986-07-22) July 22, 1986 (age 38) San Francisco, California, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	207 lb (94 kg)
Career information
High school:	Angelo Rodriguez (Fairfield, California)
College:	Chabot (2004–2005) Kentucky (2006–2007)
NFL Draft:	2008 / Round: 7 / Pick: 224
Career history
Buffalo Bills (2008–2013) San Francisco 49ers (2014) San Diego Chargers (2015–2016)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-SEC (2007)
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 381 Receiving yards: 4,764 Receiving touchdowns: 34
Player stats at PFR

Steven John Johnson Jr. (born July 22, 1986) is a former American professional football player. He played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). Johnson was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the 2008 NFL draft. He also played for the San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers. Before joining the NFL, he played college football at Kentucky. Even though he never made it to the Pro Bowl, Johnson was the first Bills receiver to have two seasons in a row with over 1,000 receiving yards. Many people think he was one of the best players the Bills ever picked in the draft.

Early Life and High School Football

Stevie Johnson was taught at home for part of his early life. He only played football for two years in high school. This was because the public school in his area, Angelo Rodriguez High School, did not have a football team until his junior year. After his senior year, he was named All-State and made the first-team All-Conference. He also played basketball for two years and was a second-team All-Conference player.

College Football Career

Johnson first went to Chabot College in California from 2004 to 2005. Later, he moved to the University of Kentucky. In his first year at Kentucky, he caught 12 passes for 159 yards and scored 1 touchdown. In a game against Clemson in the Music City Bowl, he had three catches for 67 yards.

The 2007 season was a very successful one for Johnson. He caught 61 passes for 1,052 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. He became only the fourth player in Kentucky's history to gain over 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. His 13 touchdowns that year rank second in the school's record books. During this season, he caught three game-winning touchdowns. One of these was against Florida State in the Music City Bowl. After the season, Johnson was chosen for the first-team All-Southeastern Conference.

Professional Football Journey

Stevie Johnson had an exciting career in the NFL. He played for three different teams during his time as a professional football player.

Playing for the Buffalo Bills

Johnson was picked by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL draft. He was the 224th player chosen overall.

First Seasons with the Bills

In his first year, 2008, Johnson caught his first pass in Week 5. He scored his first touchdown in Week 15 against the New York Jets. He scored another touchdown the next week. He finished his rookie season with 10 catches for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 2009, he played in fewer games because of a rib injury. He only had 2 catches for 10 yards that season.

Breakout Year in 2010

Johnson in the 2011 preseason, playing for the Bills.

Before the 2010 season, Johnson worked hard and earned a starting spot as a wide receiver. He became a favorite target for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. In a game against the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson had a great game with 8 catches for 158 yards and a touchdown. Two weeks later, he caught 11 passes for 145 yards against the Chicago Bears.

Johnson was known for his fun touchdown celebrations. In one game, he pretended to be a minuteman firing a rifle. Another time, he lifted his jersey to show "Why so serious?" on his T-shirt. This was a playful message to other players. He had an amazing 2010 season with 82 catches, 1,073 yards, and 10 touchdowns. After this season, he was recognized for playing much better than his salary suggested.

Consistent Performance in 2011 and 2012

In 2011, Johnson continued to play well, with 76 catches for 1,004 yards and 7 touchdowns. He later shared that he played that year with injuries. He was fined twice for his celebrations that season. One time, he pretended to be a jet crashing. Another time, he showed "Happy New Year!" on his shirt, which led to a penalty and him being benched.

On March 5, 2012, Johnson signed a new five-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. In the 2012 season, he had 79 catches for 1,046 yards and 6 touchdowns. He made history by becoming the only Bills receiver at that time to have three seasons in a row with over 1,000 receiving yards.

Final Season with the Bills in 2013

In 2013, Johnson worked with a new Bills quarterback, EJ Manuel. He caught the game-winning touchdown from Manuel in a close game against the Carolina Panthers. He did not reach 1,000 yards this season, finishing with 52 catches for 597 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Playing for the San Francisco 49ers

On May 9, 2014, Johnson was traded to his hometown team, the San Francisco 49ers. This happened after the Bills drafted another wide receiver. In the 2014 season, Johnson had 35 catches for 435 yards and 3 touchdowns. This was his lowest number of yards since his second year in the NFL. He was released by the 49ers in March 2015.

Playing for the San Diego Chargers

On March 17, 2015, Johnson signed a three-year contract with the San Diego Chargers. He started the 2015 season well, but injuries slowed him down later. He finished the season with 45 catches for 497 yards and 3 touchdowns. In August 2016, it was announced that Johnson would miss the entire 2016 season due to surgery on his knee. He was released by the Chargers in March 2017.

NFL Career Statistics

Stevie Johnson's Playing Style

When he was at his best, Johnson was known for his unique way of running routes and his quick footwork. He said that playing basketball helped him with these skills. Johnson used his quick moves to trick defensive players and get open for catches. This helped him succeed even though he was not the biggest or fastest player.

Life After Football

Stevie Johnson is the cousin of rapper Ya Boy and NBA player Kawhi Leonard, who plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.

In 2014, he showed his tattoos for a PETA campaign called "Ink not Mink," which is against using animal fur.

After retiring from the NFL, Johnson became the head coach for his old high school football team. He also stayed involved with the Buffalo community. He helped write a children's book about his NFL career. He then wrote two more books about his former Bills teammates, Fred Jackson and Ryan Fitzpatrick. In 2023, Johnson helped create a flag football game called Redzone Football.