Essex Johnson

Essex L. Johnson (October 15, 1946 – October 29, 2020) was a professional American football running back for eight seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals and one season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Early life Johnson was born on October 15, 1946, in Shreveport, Louisiana. His high school coach Leonard Barnes taught Johnson the running style he would take into college and professional football. In 1963, Johnson scored a then school record 23 touchdowns, and the team's only defeat was a 13–12 loss to the state champions. He also ran track on the 440-yard and 880-yard relay teams. at Grambling State University for legendary coach Eddie Robinson. In October 1966, he returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown, which was marked by his dazzling maneuvers down the field. By his final season in 1967 he had helped lead the team to three consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles. He scored two touchdowns in Grambling's 1967 Orange Blossom Classic win over Florida A&M.

Among his Grambling teammates was future Hall of fame receiver Charlie Joiner. In 2012, Johnson was inducted into the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Early years Johnson was drafted in the 6th round (156th overall) of the 1968 Common draft by the expansion Cincinnati Bengals, the team's first draft. Although he was drafted as a defensive back, he was converted to halfback once in the NFL.

In his rookie year of 1968, the Bengals' first season in the American Football League, he played in all 14 games, primarily as a backup to running backs Paul Robinson (American football) and Jess Phillips. He scored his first professional touchdown in the Bengals' first-ever win (in their second game). In the fourth quarter, he had a 35-yard touchdown run through the middle as the Bengals downed the Denver Broncos, 24-10.

For the season, Johnson rushed for 178 yards on only 26 attempts (a 6.8 average) and three touchdowns, plus one reception for 33 yards. He also returned 22 punts for 122 yards (a 5.0 average), and returned 14 kicks for 266 yards (a 19.0 average). He actually reached 1,000 yards, but fell below the benchmark because of penalties and a negative rushing play.

Later career In 1974, beset by a knee injury, Johnson played in only five games, with 44 yards in 19 attempts (a 2.3 average) and eight receptions for 85 yards (a 10.6 average) and one touchdown. he bounced back and played in all 14 games, starting one, gaining 177 yards on 58 attempts (a 3.1 average) with one touchdown, along with 25 receptions for 196 yards (a 7.8 average) and one touchdown.

NFL/AFL career statistics Legend Led the league Bold Career high

Regular season Year Team Games Rushing Receiving GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 1968 CIN 14 0 26 178 6.8 41 3 1 33 33.0 33 0 1969 CIN 12 0 15 54 3.6 13 0 1 3 3.0 3 0 1970 CIN 13 0 65 273 4.2 26 2 15 190 12.7 51 2 1971 CIN 14 0 85 522 6.1 86 4 14 258 18.4 67 2 1972 CIN 14 11 212 825 3.9 19 4 29 420 14.5 65 2 1973 CIN 14 14 195 997 5.1 46 4 28 356 12.7 78 3 1974 CIN 5 2 19 44 2.3 11 0 8 85 10.6 27 1 1975 CIN 12 4 58 177 3.1 15 1 25 196 7.8 30 1 1976 TAM 14 1 47 166 3.5 27 1 25 201 8.0 38 1 112 32 722 3,236 4.5 86 19 146 1,742 11.9 78 12

Playoffs Year Team Games Rushing Receiving GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 1970 CIN 1 0 2 0 0.0 0 0 1 6 6.0 6 0 1973 CIN 1 1 2 17 8.5 14 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1975 CIN 1 0 3 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 3 1 7 17 2.4 14 0 1 6 6.0 6 0

Personal life His son, Essex Johnson, was a star defensive end at Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles where, as a junior, he recorded 96 tackles and eight sacks. During his senior season, he totaled 53 tackles playing defense, and on offense he rushed for 67 yards on 19 carries and caught eight passes for 107 yards. He also ran track and played basketball.

Death Essex Johnson died on the morning of October 29, 2020.