Rex Johnson

Rex David Johnson (Born November 8, 1937 in Colton, California) is a former professional football and baseball player. He played 1 year, the 1960 NFL season as a halfback and kick/punt returner for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He then quit football in the summer of 1961 to focus on baseball. He had already been signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an amateur free agent in 1959 after a standout career at the University of Southern California. He spent the 1960 baseball season with the Grand Forks Chiefs and the Savannah Pirates, 1961 with the Asheville Tourists, and 1962 & 1963 with the Columbus Jets. He made it to the majors in 1964 and made his debut on April 15, 1964 as a defensive replacement for Willie Stargell. he only appeared in 14 major league games, not collecting a hit in any of his 7 at bats. He played for the Tacoma Giants & Phoenix Giants, both affiliates of San Francisco Giants in 1965 & 1966.