Kermit Johnson

Kermit DeKoven Johnson (born February 22, 1952) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and was a consensus All-American in 1973. He also played for the Southern California Sun of the World Football League (WFL).

Early life Kermit DeKoven Johnson was born on February 22, 1952, in Los Angeles, California. He attended Blair High School in his hometown of Pasadena, California. His Pasadena Sports Hall of Fame profile states that "In 1969, Kermit Johnson was a member and leader of arguably the best high school football team ever assembled in Pasadena - Blair High School's 1969 football team." Johnson also caught four passes for 47 yards during his college career.

Professional career Johnson was selected by the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL) in the seventh round, with the 166th overall pick, of the 1974 NFL draft and by the Southern California Sun of the World Football League (WFL) in the second round, with the 18th overall pick, of the 1974 WFL draft. He played in 19 games for the Sun during the 1974 WFL season, rushing 249 times for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns while also catching 44 passes for 393 yards and one touchdown. Johnson's agent stated "We had a specific clause over and above the contract that says if payment is delinquent, we have the right to declare the players free agents." He appeared in 11 games, starting one, in 1976, totaling 32 rushing attempts for 99 yards and one touchdown, one reception for 11 yards, and four kick returns for 114 yards. Johnson was released on September 13, 1977, before the start of the 1977 season.

Personal life Johnson later worked as an official for the Pasadena Fire Department.