Pete Johnson (American football, born 1937)
| No. 20 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Fullback | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | August 9, 1937 Bedford, Virginia | ||||
| 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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Peter Thomas Johnson Jr. (born August 9, 1937) is a former American football halfback in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears. He played college football at the Virginia Military Institute.
Early years
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
Chicago Bears
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
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
- ^ "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". Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ "1959 NFL Draft". Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ "Bears Will Need A Lot Of Breaks". Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- ^ "Eight Texans Miss Practice". Retrieved July 11, 2020.