Rich Johnson

Richard Lewis Johnson (born May 13, 1947) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for the Houston Oilers of the American Football League (AFL). He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini and was selected by the Oilers in the third round of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft.

College career At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Johnson was a member of the Fighting Illini for four seasons, playing his final three years and starting the last two at fullback. He rushed for 768 yards and six touchdowns on 195 carries in his junior season. As a senior, Johnson finished 20th in the nation with 973 rushing yards and was named second team All-Big Ten Conference and the team Most Valuable Player. He finished his collegiate career with 2,058 rushing yards, fourth-most in school history at the time, and 11 touchdowns.

Professional career Johnson was selected in the third round (78th overall) of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft by the Houston Oilers.