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 exceptional 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.
Read more about this topic: J. J. Johnson (wide Receiver)
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