Shaquille Johnson (born May 2, 1993) is a Canadian football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He has previously played for the BC Lions and Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
 Johnson with the Redblacks in 2022 | |
| Born: | May 2, 1993 Brampton, Ontario |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | Wide receiver |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 178 lb (81 kg) |
| University | McGill Western |
| CJFL | GTA Grizzlies London Beefeaters |
| High school | Brampton (ON) Notre Dame |
| CFL draft | 2016, Round: 4, Pick: 32 |
| Drafted by | BC Lions |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2016–2021 | BC Lions |
| 2022 | Ottawa Redblacks |
| Career stats | |
| |
University and junior football edit
Johnson began his university football career with the McGill Redmen in 2012 and was awarded the Peter Gorman Trophy as the rookie of the year.[1] He sat out for a year to help his mother, who was raising three other children on her own, during which time he played for the GTA Grizzlies of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). He then went on to play for the Western Mustangs of the University of Western Ontario and the London Beefeaters of the CJFL. Johnson, who started playing competitive football in grade 10, credits a football camp at the University of Pittsburgh in his senior year of high school with helping him to realize he had the skills to succeed in the sport.[2]
Professional career edit
BC Lions edit
Johnson ran a 4.39 time at the 40-yard dash at a regional CFL combine before being drafted by the BC Lions in the fourth round of the 2016 CFL Draft. He spent most of the 2016 season, on the practice roster before playing in two games with no receptions. Through 15 games in the 2017 season, Johnson had 27 catches with 501 yards and two touchdowns, placing him third on the team in receiving yardage.[3] On January 21, 2021, Johnson signed an extension with the Lions.[4] He played in all 14 regular season games in 2021 where he had 30 catches for 295 yards. He became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 8, 2022.[5]
Ottawa Redblacks edit
On February 9, 2022, it was announced that Johnson had signed with the Ottawa Redblacks.[6] On February 14, 2023, Johnson became a free agent.[7]
Personal life edit
Johnson's brother, Hakeem Johnson, also plays professional football, but as a defensive back.[8] The two brothers played together for the Lions from 2019 to 2021 and were the fifth set of brothers to play for the Lions, but the first to play on opposite sides of the ball.[8]
References edit
- ^ McGill profile
- ^ Baker, Matt (11 July 2017). "Shaq Johnson: The Quiet Playmaker". BC Lions. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
- ^ Tucker, Cam (18 October 2017). "'Sneaky strider' Johnson working to become Lions' feared Shaq Attack". The Province. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
- ^ Baker, Matt (January 21, 2021). "Shaq is Back! Lions sign Johnson to extension". BCLions.com. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
- ^ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
- ^ "Redblacks sign receivers Jaelon Acklin and Shaq Johnson". Ottawa Redblacks. February 9, 2022.
- ^ "Transactions – Football player trades and signings". Canadian Football League. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
- ^ a b "J.J. Adams: Brothers Johnson — Shaq and Hakeem — lift each other up with B.C. Lions". The Province. June 26, 2020.