Quick Facts
CancerBiography
John Johnson is a former professional American football player who played defensive tackle for seven seasons for the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants.
Early life and education
John Howard Johnson was born on July 5, 1941.
He attended Hobart High School, Indiana, and graduated in 1959. He then graduated from Indiana University in 1963.
Through out his academic life, Johnson was very active in sports.
In high school, he played for Coach Russ Deal. He was a member of 1957-1959 winning football teams with record of 24-2-1; member of first undefeated football team at Hobart in 1959 with record of 8-0-1.
In 1959, he was a lineman for All-State Football Team.
He was also selected as one of 33 players to represent the All-American team to play in the Pennsylvania Big 33 All-State Classic in Hershey, PA.
During the university days: played 3 years for Coach Phil Dickens as a lineman; Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 1962; selected to play in 1962 post season Blue-Gray Football Christmas Classic in Montgomery, AL; starting lineman for the winning North team; selected to play in 1962 post season Crusade Bowl for Cancer in Baltimore, MD.
Sports career
- Played for Chicago Bears Football Club for Coach George Halas
- Fifth draft choice in 1963 as offensive lineman
- Moved to defensive tackle at start of season by Coach George Allen
- Member of 1963 World Champions that beat the New York Giants 14-10 to have a season record of 11-1-1
- New coach, Mike Ditka, hired by Bears in 1982, stated that the 1963 team was the best George Halas ever coached
- Replaced injured Fred Williams in Championship game and was credited with 5 unassisted tackles, 4 assisted; was awarded a second game ball in 1967.
In 2004, Johnson was selected by Gary Post Tribune for All-Northwest Indiana Football Team - Post 1960. In addition, he was named in Top Ten Players to "Simply the Best" Half-Century All-Star Football Team.
He also serves on boards of several national charitable organizations such as Brian Piccolo Cancer Research, NFL Alumni Chicago Chapter, "Caring for Kids," Maryville home for children, Miseracordia, and Better Boys Foundation.