Stone Johnson facts for kids
| No. 33 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Running back |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | April 26, 1940 Dallas, Texas |
| Died: | September 8, 1963 (aged 23) Wichita, Kansas |
| Career information | |
| College: | Grambling State |
| AFL draft: | 1963 / Round: 14 / Pick: 105 |
| Career history | |
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| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Stone Edward Johnson (born April 26, 1940 – died September 8, 1963) was a very fast athlete. He was an Olympic sprinter and also played American football. He was a kick returner and running back for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Who Was Stone Johnson?
Stone Johnson was born in Dallas, Texas. He was known for his incredible speed. Before playing professional football, he was a star in track and field.
A Talented Athlete
Stone Johnson was so fast that he competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. He was a finalist in the 200-meter race. This means he was one of the best sprinters in the world! He even held a world record for a short time.
After his Olympic success, Stone Johnson joined the Kansas City Chiefs football team. He was a rookie, meaning it was his first year playing professionally. He played as a kick returner and running back. These players need to be very fast and agile.
A Tragic Day
On August 30, 1963, Stone Johnson was playing in a preseason game. The Chiefs were playing against the Houston Oilers in Wichita, Kansas. During a kickoff return, Stone Johnson was injured. He hurt a bone in his neck called a vertebra.
Sadly, Stone Johnson passed away 10 days later, on September 8, 1963. He was only 23 years old.
Remembering Stone Johnson
Even though Stone Johnson was only on the team for a short time, he made a big impact. The Kansas City Chiefs decided to honor him. They retired his jersey number, 33. This means no other player on the Chiefs team will ever wear the number 33 again. It is a special way to remember his talent and his life.
See also
- List of American Football League players
