Tony Johnson (wide receiver) facts for kids
| Current position | |
|---|---|
| Title | Senior advisor / analyst |
| Team | Ohio State |
| Biographical details | |
| Born | September 19, 1983 |
| Alma mater | Penn State |
| Playing career | |
| 2000–2003 | Penn State |
| Position(s) | Wide receiver |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 2024–present | Ohio State (Analyst) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| CFP national champion (2024) | |
Tony Johnson (born March 12, 1982) is an American football coach who works with the Ohio State Buckeyes. He used to play football himself as a wide receiver for Penn State from 2000 to 2003. By the 2008 season, he was one of the top players for the Nittany Lions. He ranked 10th in catches with 107 and 9th in receiving yards with 1,702. Tony was 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed 209 pounds, wearing jersey number 11. His older brother is Larry Johnson, a former professional football player. Tony also helps manage his brother's career.
Tony went to State College Area High School in State College, Pennsylvania. Many college teams wanted him to play for them. In high school, he played as a quarterback and running back. But when he joined the Nittany Lions, he changed his position to wide receiver.
Playing for Penn State
From 2001 to 2002, Tony was the second-choice receiver for the Nittany Lions. He played alongside another great player, Bryant Johnson. In 2002, Tony scored three touchdowns. He also caught 34 passes and gained 549 receiving yards.
In 2003, during his senior year at Penn State, Tony faced a challenge. He was not able to play in two games for the team. After returning, Tony had an amazing game against Indiana, scoring three touchdowns.
Tony Johnson's Family Life
Tony Johnson married his wife, Karin Grapp-Johnson, in the summer of 2009. They have three children together: two boys and one girl. Tony and his family now live in Ohio. From there, he can still manage his older brother Larry Johnson's career remotely. Tony often travels to watch Larry play in football games, both at home and away.
Tony is the middle child of three. His parents are Christine and Larry Johnson Sr. His father, Larry Johnson Sr., was a high school coach. He is currently the defensive line coach at The Ohio State University.
Before joining Ohio State, Tony worked for Fischer Homes in Ohio for ten years. He also spent two years coaching at Olentangy Berkshire Middle School.
