J. J. Johnson (wide receiver)

NFL player
Name=J. J. Johnson

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DateOfBirth=birth date |1979|09|11
Birthplace=Arlington, Texas
DateofDeath=
Position=WR
College=UCLA
DraftedYear= Free Agent (1998)
DraftedRound=N/A
ProBowls=
years=1998-2003
teams=National Football League, Canadian Football League, Arena Football League

J. J. Johnson (born September 11, 1979 in Arlington, Texas) is a former wide receiver who played in the National Football League, Canadian Football League, and Arena Football League from 1998-2003. Johnson is the stepson of NFL Hall of Fame defensive end, Junious “Buck” Buchanan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

High school

Johnson attended Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas, and was a standout in both football and baseball.

College

Johnson was offered scholarships to numerous major football powerhouse universities, but declined. He decided to forego a college career and embarked upon a minor league baseball career, which was quickly interrupted by his love for football.

Professional career

In 1998 -99, the 6'0" 198 pound Johnson attended mini-camps with the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. Former Kansas City Chiefs great, wide receiver Otis Taylor remarked that Johnson "has great instincts." Taylor worked extensively with the wide receiver during Johnson’s attendance in the Chiefs camps.

Others who had watched Johnson in action were equally enthusiastic. Johnson had exceptionally deceptive speed, plus the athletic instincts to be exceptionally successful at his job of spoiling opposing defensive coverages. He was particularly effective in his ability to frustrate opposing defensive backs with his ability to find the open areas of the field. He was clocked at 4.3 seconds in the 40 yard dash and with that speed he could stretch defenses. His ability to make the big catch also made him a dangerous threat anywhere on the field. Johnson proved to not be very durable, as his stay was riddled with knee injuries.

He was also signed to the Las Vegas Posse (relocated as the Manatees) in the Canadian Football League. There he teamed with Tamarik Vanover and Curtis Mayfield to establish a dominant receiving corp for the Posse and Manatees. This never truly materialized as the team’s attendance failed and the Canadian Football League abandoned the idea of CFL teams in the United States.

He also spent a short stint with the Dallas Texans in the Arena Football League (AFL).

Johnson joined the Arlington Panthers (Arlington, Texas) posting phenomenal numbers and attaining a starting All-Star selection. He then signed with the Shreveport Pelicans (Shreveport, La.), as their marquee receiver. There he compiled exceptional receiving statistics, leading the league in receptions, touchdowns, and RAC (Run After Catch) yards. He was expected to make another attempt with the National Football League before removing himself from the professional football scene.