Peter Thomas Johnson Jr. (born August 9, 1937) is a former American football halfback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Bears. He played college football at the Virginia Military Institute.
| No. 20 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Fullback | ||
| Personal information | |||
| Born: | August 9, 1937 Bedford, Virginia, U.S. | ||
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||
| Weight: | 200 lb (91 kg) | ||
| Career information | |||
| High school: | William Fleming (VA) | ||
| College: | Virginia Military | ||
| NFL draft: | 1959 / Round: 3 / Pick: 32 | ||
| Career history | |||
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||
| Career NFL statistics | |||
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| Player stats at NFL.com · PFR | |||
Early years edit
Johnson attended William Fleming High School.[1] He accepted a football scholarship from the Virginia Military Institute. As a sophomore, he contracted Polio but was able to recover.[2] He registered 41 carries for 221 yards (5.4-yard avg.), 3 rushing touchdowns and 2 receptions for 17 yards.[3]
As a junior, he was a backup at halfback, posting 63 carries for 270 yards (4.3-yard avg.), 5 receptions for 40 yards, 2 receiving touchdowns, 8-of-9 extra point conversions, 2 defensive touchdowns and a 39.5 punting average.[2] He contributed to the team having an undefeated season (9-0-1) and being ranked 13th in the final Associated Press poll.[4] He made all 3 extra point conversions in the 21-21 tie against the College of the Holy Cross.[2]
As a senior, he became a starter at fullback after Sam Woolwine graduated.[2] He was second on the team behind Sam Horner, with 78 carries for 392 yards (5.0-yard avg.) and 5 rushing touchdowns. He set a school record, by returning a kickoff for a 97-yard touchdown against Villanova University.[2]
In 1979, he was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame.[5]
Professional career edit
Chicago Bears edit
Johnson was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round (32nd overall) of the 1959 NFL Draft.[6] He appeared in 7 games as a halfback.[7]
Dallas Cowboys edit
In 1960, Johnson was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the expansion draft. He was converted into a defensive back during training camp. He was released on August 30.[8]
References edit
- ^ "Pete Johnson profile". Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e "VMI 1958 Football Facts" (PDF). Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ "VMI 1957 Football Facts" (PDF). Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ "VMI Athletic History - A Brief Look". Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ "VMI Hall of Fame". 4 January 2008. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ "1959 NFL Draft". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ "Bears Will Need A Lot Of Breaks". 13 August 1959. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ "Eight Texans Miss Practice". 31 August 1960. Retrieved July 11, 2020.