Micah Johnson (gridiron football)

Last updated

Micah Johnson
2024, 04, Micah Johnson.jpg
Johnson with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2024
No. 4 – Saskatchewan Roughriders
Position: Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1988-06-22) June 22, 1988 (age 36)
Columbus, Georgia, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:257 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school: Fort Campbell (TN)
College: Kentucky
Undrafted: 2010
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
CFL status:American
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Career CFL statistics
Total tackles:184
Sacks:45.0
Interceptions:2
Stats at CFL.ca

Micah Johnson (born June 22, 1988) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats. He has also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, Calgary Stampeders, BC Lions, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Contents

Early life

While playing linebacker and running back for Fort Campbell High School, Johnson was selected as the 2005 Kentucky Mr. Football. [1] Having played only two years at Ft. Campbell, his career totals there included 2,543 rushing yards, 46 touchdowns, and 293 tackles. Johnson played his freshman and sophomore years at West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where he also starred in basketball. A highly regarded recruit, Johnson chose the University of Kentucky over Georgia and Notre Dame. Following his high school career, Johnson was invited to play in the 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. [2]

Rated the nation's top inside linebacker by ESPN, [3] [4] he was also selected as a high school All-American by Parade , EA Sports, PrepStar and SuperPrep. [1] Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com , Johnson was listed as the No. 2 strongside defensive end prospect in the nation in 2006. [5]

College career

Johnson recorded 29 tackles (20 solo, 9 assist) at linebacker in his freshman season for the Kentucky Wildcats. He was voted to the All-SEC Freshman Team by the coaches of the conference. In the Wildcats' 2006 Music City Bowl victory against Clemson University, Johnson entered the game as a running back and scored a touchdown.

As a sophomore, he recorded 58 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 5 pass breakups.

As a junior, he recorded 57 solo tackles, 30 assisted, 11.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Johnson earned first-team All-SEC honors, [6] and he considered early entry into the 2009 NFL draft. [7] However, Johnson opted to stay for his senior year.

Professional career

Johnson with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2022 2022, 06, Micah Johnson.jpg
Johnson with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2022

New York Giants

Johnson was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent following the 2010 NFL draft. He was waived on June 21, 2010. [8]

Miami Dolphins

On August 3, 2010, Johnson was signed by the Miami Dolphins. He was waived on September 15, 2010.

Kansas City Chiefs

On December 8, 2010, Johnson was signed to the practice squad by the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in one regular season game in 2010. He was waived on September 3, 2011. [9]

Cincinnati Bengals

On December 13, 2011, Johnson was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals to the practice squad.

Calgary Stampeders

On May 27, Johnson was signed by the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. [10] Johnson worked his way up the ranks with Calgary over the years, winning the Grey Cup in 2014 as a backup. Subsequent years saw Johnson working his way into a starting role, while returning to the championship game for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, where Calgary suffered a pair of heartbreaking losses to Ottawa and Toronto. In 2018, Johnson and the Stamps won the 106th Grey Cup, and Johnson's efforts resulted in his recognition as one of the most dominant interior rushers in the game, with 14 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception. He was named to his 3rd consecutive CFL-West All Star team. [11]

In 81 career games during his 6 seasons in Calgary, Johnson has amassed 158 tackles, 2 tackles on special teams, 41 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 6 forced fumbles.

Saskatchewan Roughriders (first stint)

On February 12, 2019, Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders for $250,000 CAD, making him one of the highest paid defensive players in the CFL. [12] Johnson missed a few games with injury, and had a slow start to the year while adjusting to the new team and defensive scheme; Johnson did not record his first sack until week 13 during the 2019 edition of the Banjo Bowl. However, it was the beginning of a critical stretch of games for the Riders in which Johnson had three consecutive games with a sack, with four in five games. Johnson's 26 tackles and four sacks on the year helped the Riders finish with the best record in the West Division.

BC Lions

Upon entering free agency, Johnson signed a one-year contract with the BC Lions on February 11, 2020. [13] However, the 2020 CFL season was cancelled and he never played for the Lions.

Saskatchewan Roughriders (second stint)

On the first day of free agency in 2021, Johnson re-signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on February 9, 2021. [14]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

On February 9, 2022, Johnson officially signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. [15]

Saskatchewan Roughriders (third stint)

On February 14, 2023, it was announced that Johnson had re-signed with the Roughriders. [16]

On February 12, 2024, it was announced that he had signed a one-year contract extension with the Roughriders. [17]

Related Research Articles

Frederick Bennett is an American former professional football defensive back. He was selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL draft. He played college football at the University of South Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corey Mace</span> Canadian gridiron football player and coach (born 1985)

Corey Mace is a Canadian professional football coach and former player who is the head coach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played as a defensive tackle in the CFL and National Football League (NFL). Mace played college football for the Wyoming Cowboys. He was signed by the NFL's Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tad Kornegay</span> American gridiron football player (born 1982)

Tad Kornegay is a former professional Canadian football defensive back. He most recently played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He has also been a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and BC Lions.

Tearrius George is a former gridiron football defensive end who played for the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Kansas State.

Ejiro "E. J." Megetaveh Kuale [kuh-WAL-ee] is a former professional American and Canadian football linebacker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football for the LSU Tigers.

Eric Norwood is a former American football defensive end. He was most recently a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL from 2013 to 2015. He formerly played for the University of South Carolina. During his collegiate career, he set school career records in tackles for loss (54.5) and quarterback sacks (29). With numerous conference and national honors, Norwood is one of the most decorated defensive players in SEC history and has drawn comparisons to James Harrison. Norwood was considered a top linebacker prospect for the 2010 NFL draft; he was selected in the fourth round, 124 overall by the Carolina Panthers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Bell (gridiron football)</span> American gridiron football player and coach (born 1985)

Joshua Paul Bell is an American professional football defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played defensive back for nine years in the National Football League (NFL) and the CFL. He was originally signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Baylor.

Randy Robert Chevrier is a Canadian former professional football player who was a long snapper in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and National Football League (NFL). He played for the Edmonton Eskimos, Calgary Stampeders, and Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL, and the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL. He played university football at McGill University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charleston Hughes</span> American gridiron football player (born 1983)

Charleston Hughes is an American professional football defensive end who is a free agent. He was signed by the Calgary Stampeders as a street free agent in 2008 and won two Grey Cup championships over his ten-year tenure with the club. He is a six-time CFL All-Star and eight-time division All-Star. He was also named the West Division's Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2013. He played college football for Northwood. Hughes has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corvey Irvin</span> American football player (born 1985)

Corvey Irvin is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle and is currently the defensive line coach for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shomari Williams</span> Canadian football coach and recruiter (born 1985)

Shomari Gyasi Williams is the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator for the UBC Thunderbirds of U Sports football. He is a former professional Canadian football defensive end who played in parts of six seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was drafted first overall by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 2010 CFL Draft after Saskatchewan traded up to be in a position to draft him. Williams played one season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before being traded back to Saskatchewan. He played college football for the Queen's Golden Gaels and the Houston Cougars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cory Greenwood</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1985)

Cory James Greenwood is a former Canadian professional football linebacker. He is a Grey Cup champion, having won the 106th Grey Cup with the Stampeders. He played college football for the Concordia Stingers from 2006 to 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shawn Lemon</span> American gridiron football player (born 1988)

Shawn Lemon is an American professional football defensive lineman for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Akron. He has been a member of eight CFL teams, three indoor football teams and two NFL teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cameron Judge</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1994)

Cameron Judge is a Canadian professional football linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). After being selected second overall in the 2017 CFL Draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he played three seasons for the team from 2017 to 2019. Judge has also been a member of the Toronto Argonauts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Micah Awe</span> American gridiron football player (born 1994)

Micah Awe is a Nigerian professional Canadian football linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Texas Tech. Awe has also been a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, BC Lions, New York Jets, Toronto Argonauts, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Ottawa Redblacks, BC Lions, and Montreal Alouettes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keishawn Bierria</span> American gridiron football player (born 1995)

Keishawn Bierria is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at Washington. Bierria was selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft. He has also been a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL); the Edmonton Elks, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL); and the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Herdman-Reed</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1994)

Jordan Herdman-Reed is a Canadian professional football linebacker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football with the Simon Fraser Clan. His twin brother Justin Herdman-Reed also plays in the CFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jameer Thurman</span> American gridiron football player (born 1995)

Jameer Thurman is an American professional football linebacker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Micah Teitz</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1996)

Micah Teitz is a Canadian professional football linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Auclair</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1996)

Adam Auclair is a Canadian professional football linebacker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

References

  1. 1 2 "Micah Johnson Bio – Kentucky Wildcats Official Athletic Site". ukathletics.com.
  2. ↑ "Campbell youth selected for All-American Bowl". Archived from the original on July 1, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2008.
  3. ↑ "Micah Johnson". ESPN.com.
  4. ↑ "ESPN". ESPN.com. November 30, 2005.
  5. ↑ "Yahoo Sports: Rivals.com Ranking – Rivals.com Strongside defensive ends 2006". rivals.com.
  6. ↑ "secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=11926&change_well_id=2". Archived from the original on December 10, 2008.
  7. ↑ "www.kentucky.com/978/story/617884.html".
  8. ↑ Garafolo, Mike (June 21, 2010). "Giants waive five players, including punter Jy Bond". The Star-Ledger . Retrieved June 22, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Cincinnati Bengals Sign Linebacker Micah Johnson To The Practice Squad". December 13, 2011.
  10. ↑ "Micah Johnson – Roster – Calgary Stampeders". Calgary Stampeders. Archived from the original on October 7, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Star Power: 2018 CFL Divisional All-Stars announced". November 7, 2018.
  12. ↑ Dunk, Justin (February 12, 2019). "Riders sign DL Micah Johnson and make him the highest paid defensive player in the CFL".
  13. ↑ "Lions Bolster Defensive Line With Addition of Micah Johnson". BC Lions. February 11, 2020.
  14. ↑ "Disruptive Defensive Lineman Micah Johnson Returns To The Green And White". Saskatchewan Roughriders. February 9, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Ticats announce signing of DT Johnson". TSN. February 9, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Micah Johnson is back in Riderville". Saskatchewan Roughriders. February 14, 2023.
  17. ↑ "Micah Johnson, Riders agree to one-year extension". CFL.ca. February 12, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Kentucky Mr. Football
2005		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.