Bethel Johnson

Infobox NFLactive
name=Bethel Johnson


width=
caption=
currentteam=Free Agent
currentnumber=--
currentpositionplain=Wide receiver / Kick returner
birthdate=birth date and age|1979|2|11
birthplace=Dallas, Texas
heightft=5
heightin=11
weight=200
debutyear=
debutteam=
college=Texas A&M
draftyear=2003
draftround=2
draftpick=45
pastteams=
* New England Patriots (2003-2005)
* New Orleans Saints (2006)
* Minnesota Vikings (2006)
* Philadelphia Eagles (2007)*
* Houston Texans (2007)*
* Toronto Argonauts (2008):*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
status=
highlights=
* 2x Super Bowl champion (XXXVIII, XXXIX)
nfl=JOH068969

Bethel Johnson (born February 11, 1979, in city-state|Dallas|Texas) is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M.

Johnson earned two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII and Super Bowl XXXIX. He has also been a member of the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans and Toronto Argonauts.

Early years

Johnson attended Corsicana High School in Corsicana, Texas and as a senior, he led his team to the Class 4A state title game, and made 44 receptions for 979 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns.

College career

Johnson attended Texas A&M University, and finished his spectacular college football career with 117 receptions for 1740 yards (14.9 yards per reception), and 11 receiving touchdowns. His 117 receptions and 1740 receiving yards both rank second in school career records. [cite web|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/records.php?SID=MFB&funct=21&type=2&list=16|title=Most Receiving Yards - Career|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics] [cite web|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/records.php?SID=MFB&funct=20&type=2&list=17|title=Most Receptions - Career|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics]

Professional career

New England Patriots

Drafted 45th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft, Johnson served primarily as a speed specialist for the Patriots. He was known for several long-range diving catches, as well as two kick returns for touchdowns. In 2004 and 2005, he won the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

He was traded to the Saints on June 5 2006 for defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan, who was drafted sixth overall by the Saints in 2003. [ [http://www.pfcritics.com/news101/PatriotsTradeBethelJohnson.php Patriots Trade Bethel Johnson - NFL - PFCritics ] ] Johnson was criticized in New England for his ego and his work ethic. Saints coach Sean Payton questioned Johnson's "conditioning, his stamina and endurance" during the preseason. [ [http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/football/15783737.htm HOME - TwinCities.com ] ]

Johnson was cut from the Saints before the 2006 regular season began after injuring his knee in a preseason game

Minnesota Vikings

Johnson was then signed by the Minnesota Vikings on October 10 2006. [ [http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2006/09/05/hes_ready_for_some_football/?page=2 Patriots' Harrison says he's ready to play against Bills - The Boston Globe ] ] He appeared in 11 games with two starts for the Vikings that season, catching nine passes for 156 yards. He became a free agent in the 2007 offseason.

Philadelphia Eagles

On March 8 2007 he signed a one year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released on June 5 after he failed a physical. [cite news|url=http://nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10214359|title=Samuel holding out for a new deal with Pats|last=Schefter|first=Adam |date=2007-06-05|publisher=NFL.com|accessdate=2008-06-07| archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070707051313/http://nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10214359| archivedate=2007-07-07|quote=The Eagles cut wide receiver/kick returner Bethel Johnson after he failed his physical.]

Houston Texans

On July 9 2007, Johnson signed with the Houston Texans. However, he was released on August 31 2007 during final cuts and spent the season out of football.

Toronto Argonauts

On May 26 2008, Johnson was signed by the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. [cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/story/2008/05/26/bethel-johnson-argonauts.html|title=Argonauts add former NFLer Bethel Johnson|date=2008-05-26|publisher=CBC Sports|accessdate=2008-10-01] [cite news|url=http://www.thestar.com/article/447495|title=Johnson looking to start over with Argos|last=Zelkovich|first=Chris|date=2008-06-23|publisher=Toronto Star|accessdate=2008-06-23] He was released on September 30 because of his lack of progress; ranking just seventh on the team in receiving with 16 catches for 189 yards and no touchdowns. [cite news|url=http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=851288|title=Johnson cut as Argos continue reworking roster|last=Fitz-Gerald
first=Sean|date=2008-09-30|publisher=National Post|accessdate=2008-10-01]

References

External links

* [http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=23712 New England Patriots bio]
* [http://www.argonauts.ca/index.php/roster/show/id/1899 Toronto Argonauts bio]