Derrick Johnson

Derrick O'Hara Johnson (born November 22, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns, twice earning consensus All-American honors. Johnson was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft with the 15th overall pick. In his 13 seasons with the Chiefs, Johnson made four Pro Bowls. He also played six games for the Oakland Raiders in 2018.

Early life Johnson was born in Waco, Texas. He attended Waco High School, where he was a three-sport star in football, track and basketball. In football, Johnson played as a linebacker, registering 170 tackles (103 unassisted), 21.0 stops for loss, six quarterback sacks, five forced fumbles, and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown as a senior. He produced a career-high 30 tackles and four forced fumbles in a single game. Johnson earned Parade magazine high school All-America and first-team All-Texas Class 5A honors following both his junior and senior seasons, and played in the first-ever U.S. Army All-American Bowl on December 30, 2000.

As a standout track & field athlete, Johnson was a state-qualifier in the 100-meters and the triple jump. He recorded a 10.5-second 100-meter dash, while also clearing over 48 ft (14.66 m) in the triple jump. At the District 13-5A Championships, Johnson ran a leg on the Waco 4 × 100 m relay squad, helping them earn a fourth-place finish.

College career Johnson enrolled in The University of Texas at Austin, and played for coach Mack Brown's Texas Longhorns football team from 2001 to 2004 and became one of the most dominant linebackers in Longhorns history. Johnson was a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2002, 2003, and 2004, a consensus first-team All-American in 2003, and unanimous first-team All-American in 2004. Following his senior season, Johnson was also recognized as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and received the Dick Butkus Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy. The Texas Longhorns finished 11–1, and narrowly defeated the Michigan Wolverines 38–37 in the 2005 Rose Bowl.

Professional career Pre-draft Johnson entered the 2005 NFL Draft as a highly touted prospect and attended the NFL Scouting Combine and completed all of the combine drills. On March 23, 2005, he attended Texas' pro day, but opted to stand on his combine numbers and only performed positional drills. He was projected to be a first round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the top outside linebacker prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com and DraftCountdown.com.

Kansas City Chiefs 2005 The Kansas City Chiefs selected Johnson in the first round (15th overall) of the 2005 NFL draft. Johnson was the fourth linebacker drafted in 2005.

On July 31, 2005, the Chiefs signed Johnson to a five-year, $10.4 million contract with $7.03 million guaranteed.

Johnson entered training camp slated as a starting outside linebacker. Head coach Dick Vermeil officially named him the left outside linebacker to start the regular season, along with Kendrell Bell and middle linebacker Kawika Mitchell.

Johnson made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the season-opener against the New York Jets and recorded nine combined tackles, forced a fumble, and made his first career sack on quarterback Chad Pennington during the 27–7 victory. Three weeks later, Johnson collected a season-high 10 solo tackles in a 37–31 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Johnson started all 16 games of his rookie season and made 95 combined tackles (72 solo), five pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and two sacks. He was subsequently awarded the Mack Lee Hill Award as their rookie of the year. The Chiefs finished second in the AFC West with a 10–6 record, but did not qualify for the playoffs.

2006 On January 1, 2006, Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil announced his retirement after five seasons with the team. New head coach Herm Edwards chose to retain defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham and the base 4–3 defense. He also retained starting linebackers Johnson, Bell, and Mitchell to begin the season.

On October 29, 2006, Johnson made five combined tackles and two sacks on quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in the 30–27 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Johnson missed two consecutive games (Weeks 10–11) due to a sprained ankle. He aggravated his injury and was also inactive for the Week 13 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Three weeks later, Johnson had a season-high nine solo tackles during a 20–9 road victory over the Oakland Raiders.

Johnson finished his second professional season with 75 combined tackles (56 solo), 4.5 sacks, and three passes defensed in 13 games and 13 starts.

On September 16, 2007, Johnson recorded seven combined tackles, a season-high two pass deflections, forced a fumble, and sacked quarterback Rex Grossman twice during a 20–10 loss at the Chicago Bears in Week 2. He started all 16 games and recorded 94 combined tackles (63 solo), six pass deflections, four sacks, and three forced fumbles. On September 28, 2008, Johnson made six combined tackles, a pass deflection, was credited with half a sack, forced a fumble, and also intercepted a pass by quarterback Jay Cutler during a 33–19 victory against the Denver Broncos. The following week, he collected a season-high nine solo tackles and deflected a pass in the Chiefs' 34–0 loss at the Carolina Panthers.

The Kansas City Chiefs' new head coach, Todd Haley, hired Clancy Pendergast as the new defensive coordinator. Pendergast chose to install a base 3-4 defense instead of the 4-3 defense previously used. On May 20, 2009, Johnson stated during an interview that the change in base defense has prompted the coaches to move him to inside linebacker. Throughout training camp, Johnson competed for a job as a starting inside linebacker against Demorrio Williams, Corey Mays, Monty Beisel, and rookie Jovan Belcher. Head coach Todd Haley named Johnson a backup inside linebacker to start the regular season, behind Demorrio Williams, Corey Mays, Monty Beisel, and Jovan Belcher. Haley did not give an explanation on Johnson's demotion, but Johnson stated he had no previous experience in a base 3–4 defense and had issues with the transition.

He appeared in the Kansas City Chiefs' season-opener at the Baltimore Ravens and recorded three solo tackles, a pass deflection, and returned an interception by quarterback Joe Flacco for a 70-yard gain during a 38–24 loss. He was inactive for the Chiefs' Week 3 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles after injuring his groin the previous week. In Week 11, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles during a 27–24 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On January 3, 2010, Johnson recorded six combined tackles, a season-high four pass deflections, and returned two interceptions for touchdowns during a 44–24 victory at the Denver Broncos in Week 17. He intercepted a pass by quarterback Kyle Orton, intended for wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, and returned it 45-yards for the first touchdown of his career in the third quarter. Johnson returned another interception by Orton, intended for tight end Daniel Graham, for a 60-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to tie an NFL single game record for most interceptions returned for touchdowns. He finished the 2008 season with 37 combined tackles (30 solo), five pass deflections, three interceptions, two touchdowns, a sack, and a forced fumble in 15 games and was limited to three starts.

Throughout training camp, Johnson competed to be a starting inside linebacker against Demorrio Williams and Javon Belcher. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel named Johnson a starting left inside linebacker to begin the 2010 season, alongside Javon Belcher, and outside linebackers Mike Vrabel and Tamba Hali.

On October 24, 2010, Johnson made six combined tackles, three pass deflections, and returned an interception for a touchdown during a 42–20 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. On November 8, 2010, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Johnson to a five-year, $34 million contract that includes $15 million guaranteed. In Week 10, he collected a season-high 12 solo tackles and deflected two passes in the Chiefs' 49–29 loss at the Denver Broncos. Johnson started all 16 games in 2010 and recorded 121 combined tackles (95 solo), a career-high 16 pass deflections, four forced fumbles, one sack, an interception, and a touchdown. In Week 7, Johnson collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (12 solo) as the Chiefs routed the Oakland Raiders 28–0. The following week, he tied his season-high of 13 combined tackles (ten solo), deflected a pass, made a sack, and an interception during a 23–20 win against the San Diego Chargers in Week 8. On December 13, 2011, the Kansas City Chiefs fired head coach Todd Haley after a 35–10 loss to the New York Jets made them fall to a 5–8 record. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. On December 27, 2011, it was announced that Johnson was voted to the 2012 Pro Bowl. He was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career and was also named first-team All-Pro. Johnson started in all 16 games and made a career-high 131 combined tackles (104 solo), nine pass deflections, two sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. On November 12, 2012, Johnson collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (12 solo) in the Chiefs' 16–13 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10. The following week, he made ten solo tackles during a 28–6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. On December 26, 2012, it was announced that Johnson was voted to the 2013 Pro Bowl. On December 31, 2012, the Kansas City Chiefs fired head coach Romeo Crennel after they finished fourth in the AFC West with a 4–12 record. He started in all 16 games and recorded 125 combined tackles (110 solo), four pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and two sacks.

On October 13, 2013, Johnson made nine combined tackles and made a season-high two sacks on quarterback Terrelle Pryor during a 24–7 win against the Oakland Raiders in Week 6. In Week 8, he collected a season-high 12 solo tackles and deflected a pass as the Chiefs defeated the Cleveland Browns 23–17. On December 8, 2013, Johnson made four combined tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Robert Griffin III during a 45–10 victory at the Washington Redskins. The following week, he made six combined tackles, broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass by quarterback Matt McGloin during a 56–31 win at the Oakland Raiders in Week 15. He finished the season with 107 combined tackles (95 solo), six passes defensed, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.

2014 Johnson was named a starting inside linebacker to begin the season, along with Joe Mays. He started in the Kansas City Chiefs' season-opener against the Tennessee Titans and made four solo tackles before exiting in the third quarter of the 28–10 loss after tearing his Achilles tendon. Later in the day, it was announced he would miss the rest of the season. On September 9, 2014, the Kansas City Chiefs placed Johnson on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. He earned an overall grade of 93.4 and finished with the second highest grade among all qualified inside/middle linebackers in the league in 2014.

2015 Head coach Andy Reid named Johnson and Josh Mauga the starting inside linebackers to start the 2015 regular season. On December 6, 2015, Johnson collected a season-high 14 combined tackles (13 solo) and a sack during a 34–20 win against the Oakland Raiders. The following week, he made six combined tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in the Chiefs' 10–3 win against the San Diego Chargers in Week 14. He started all 16 games in 2015 and made 116 combined tackles (95 solo), eight pass deflections, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Johnson was ranked 80th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

2016 On March 9, 2016, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Johnson to a three-year, $21 million contract that includes $9 million guaranteed.

Head coach Andy Reid named Johnson and Justin March-Lillard the starting inside linebackers to begin the season, along with outside linebackers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. On September 18, 2016, Johnson collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (eight solo) during a 19–12 loss at the Houston Texans. The following week, he made ten combined tackles (eight solo), two pass deflections, and returned an interception for a touchdown during a 24–3 win against the New York Jets in Week 3. Johnson intercepted a pass thrown by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, intended for running back Matt Forte, and returned it for a 55-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. In Week 9, Johnson made a season-high nine solo tackles during a 29–28 win at the Atlanta Falcons. On December 8, 2016, Johnson tore his Achilles during a 21–13 victory against the Oakland Raiders. On December 17, 2016, the Kansas City Chiefs placed him on injured reserve for the rest of the season. He finished the season with 90 combined tackles (70 solo), three pass deflections, a sack, an interception, and a touchdown in 13 games and 13 starts.

Oakland Raiders On May 4, 2018, the Oakland Raiders signed Johnson to a one-year, $1.50 million contract with $500,000 guaranteed and a signing bonus of $250,000. He was released on October 16, 2018 at his request.

Retirement On May 8, 2019, Johnson retired after signing a one-day ceremonial contract with the Chiefs.

Career statistics

NFL Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck Int Yds TD PD FF FR Yds TD 2005 KC 16 16 96 80 16 2.0 0 0 0 5 2 1 0 0 2006 KC 13 12 76 58 18 4.5 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 0 2007 KC 16 16 94 83 11 4.0 2 18 0 6 3 0 0 0 2008 KC 14 14 86 69 17 1.5 1 7 0 6 4 0 0 0 2009 KC 15 3 37 30 7 1.0 3 175 2 5 1 0 0 0 2010 KC 16 16 122 96 26 1.0 1 15 1 16 3 0 0 0 2011 KC 16 16 131 104 27 2.0 2 18 0 9 1 0 0 0 2012 KC 16 16 124 109 15 2.0 0 0 0 4 4 0 0 0 2013 KC 15 15 107 95 12 4.5 2 44 0 6 0 2 11 0 2014 KC 1 1 4 4 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2015 KC 16 16 116 95 21 4.0 2 23 0 8 2 0 0 0 2016 KC 13 13 90 70 20 1.0 1 55 1 3 0 0 0 0 2017 KC 15 15 71 48 23 0.0 0 0 0 7 0 1 3 0 2018 OAK 6 1 17 14 3 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Career 188 170 1,171 955 216 27.5 14 355 4 77 22 8 14 0

College Season GP Tackles Interceptions Fumbles Cmb Solo Ast TfL Sck Int Yds BU FF FR Yds 2001 12 83 57 26 17 4.5 0 0 3 1 2 0 2002 13 120 73 47 13 2.0 4 85 10 0 0 0 2003 13 125 78 47 20 2.0 4 92 9 1 3 12 2004 12 130 73 57 19 2.0 1 18 8 9 0 0 Career 50 458 281 177 69 10.5 9 195 30 11 5 12

Career highlights NFL 4× Pro Bowl selection (2011–2013, 2015) First-team All-Pro selection (2011) Second-team All-Pro selection (2015) Pro Bowl Defensive MVP (2013) PFWA All-AFC selection (2012) Kansas City Chiefs All Time Leading Tackler (1,151)

College Dick Butkus Award (2004) Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2004) Jack Lambert Trophy (2004) Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2004) 2× Consensus All-American (2003, 2004) 3× First-team All-Big 12 (2002–2004) Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year (2001)

Personal life His older brother, Dwight Johnson, along with his cousins, Bert Emanuel and Ben Emanuel also played for the NFL.