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{{Short description|American football player (1952–2010)}}
{{Short description|American football player (1952–2010)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Gary Johnson
| name = Gary Johnson
| image = Gary Johnson 1982.jpg
| image = Gary Johnson 1982.jpg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Johnson with the Chargers {{circa}} 1982
| caption = Johnson with the Chargers {{circa}} 1982
| number = 72, 79, 97
| number = 72, 79, 97
| position = [[Defensive tackle]]
| position = [[Defensive tackle]]
| birth_date = {{birth date|1952|8|31|}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1952|8|31}}
| birth_place = [[Shreveport, Louisiana]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Shreveport, Louisiana]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2010|8|4|1952|8|31|}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2010|8|4|1952|8|31}}
| death_place = Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
| death_place = Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| height_in = 2
| weight_lb = 257
| weight_lb = 257
| high_school = Mitchell {{nowrap|([[Bossier City, Louisiana]])}}
| high_school = Mitchell {{nowrap|([[Bossier City, Louisiana]])}}
| college = [[Grambling State Tigers football|Grambling State]] (1971–1974)
| college = [[Grambling State Tigers football|Grambling State]] (1971–1974)
| draftyear = 1975
| draftyear = 1975
| draftround = 1
| draftround = 1
| draftpick = 8
| draftpick = 8
| pastteams =
| pastteams =
* [[San Diego Chargers]] ({{NFL Year|1975|1984}})
* [[San Diego Chargers]] ({{NFL Year|1975|1984}})
* [[San Francisco 49ers]] (1984–{{NFL Year|1985}})
* [[San Francisco 49ers]] ({{NFL Year|1984|1985}})
| highlights =
| highlights =
* [[Super Bowl]] champion ([[Super Bowl XIX|XIX]])
* [[List of Super Bowl champions|Super Bowl champion]] ([[Super Bowl XIX|XIX]])
* 2× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1980 All-Pro Team|1980]], [[1981 All-Pro Team|1981]])
* 2× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1980 All-Pro Team|1980]], [[1981 All-Pro Team|1981]])
* 2× Second-team All-Pro ([[1979 All-Pro Team|1979]], [[1982 All-Pro Team|1982]])
* 2× Second-team All-Pro ([[1979 All-Pro Team|1979]], [[1982 All-Pro Team|1982]])
* 4× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1980 Pro Bowl|1979]]–[[1983 Pro Bowl|1982]])
* 4× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1980 Pro Bowl|1979]]–[[1983 Pro Bowl|1982]])
* [[List of National Football League season sacks leaders|NFL sacks leader]] (1980)
* [[List of National Football League annual sacks leaders|NFL sacks leader]] (1980)
* [[Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team|PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team#1975|1975]])
* [[Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team|PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team#1975|1975]])
* [[Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame]]
* [[Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame]]
* [[List of San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team|San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team]]
* [[List of San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team|San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team]]
* [[List of San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team|San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team]]
* [[List of San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team|San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team]]
* First-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1974 College Football All-America Team|1974]])
* 3× First-team [[Little All-America team|Little All-American]] ([[1972 Little All-America college football team|1972]]–[[1974 Little All-America college football team|1974]])
* 3× First-team [[Little All-America team|Little All-American]] ([[1972 Little All-America college football team|1972]]–[[1974 Little All-America college football team|1974]])
* [[Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame]]
* [[Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame]]
| statlabel1 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]]
| statlabel1 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]]
| statvalue1 = 76.5
| statvalue1 = 16
| statlabel2 = [[Safety (gridiron football score)|Safeties]]
| statlabel2 = [[Safety (gridiron football score)|Safeties]]
| statvalue2 = 2
| statvalue2 = 2
| statlabel3 = [[Interception#American/Canadian football|Interceptions]]
| statlabel3 = [[Interception]]s
| statvalue3 = 2
| statvalue3 = 2
| statlabel4 = Interception yards
| statlabel4 = Interception yards
| statvalue4 = 93
| statvalue4 = 93
| statlabel5 = [[Fumble]] recoveries
| statlabel5 = [[Fumble]] recoveries
| statvalue5 = 13
| statvalue5 = 13
| statlabel6 = [[Touchdown]]s
| statlabel6 = Defensive [[touchdown]]s
| statvalue6 = 3
| statvalue6 = 3
| nfl = Gary-Johnson-3
| pfr = JohnGa00
⚫
| CollegeHOF = 1983
| pfr = JohnGa00
⚫
| CollegeHOF = 1983
}}
}}


'''Gary Lynn Johnson''' (August 31, 1952 – August 4, 2010), nicknamed "'''Big Hands'''", was an American professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[defensive tackle]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He was a four-time [[All-Pro]] and a four-time [[Pro Bowl]] selection. He played the majority of his NFL career with the [[San Diego Chargers]], and he was inducted into the [[Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame|Chargers Hall of Fame]].
'''Gary Lynn''' "'''Big Hands'''" '''Johnson''' (August 31, 1952 – August 4, 2010) was an American professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[defensive tackle]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He was a four-time [[All-Pro]] and a four-time [[Pro Bowl]] selection. He played the majority of his NFL career with the [[San Diego Chargers]], and he was inducted into the [[Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame|Chargers Hall of Fame]].


Johnson played [[college football]] for the [[Grambling State Tigers]], and was a three-time first-team [[Little All-American]] selection. He was drafted by San Diego in the [[1975 NFL Draft]] in the first round with the eighth overall pick. Johnson was named to the NFL All-Rookie team in his first season. The Chargers won three consecutive division titles from 1979 through 1981. Their defense led the league in [[Quarterback sack|sack]]s in 1980 behind Johnson's team-record {{frac|17|1|2}} sacks. In 1984, Johnson was traded to the [[San Francisco 49ers]], and he won a [[Super Bowl]] with the team that season. Johnson retired after the 49ers season in 1985.
Johnson played [[college football]] for the [[Grambling State Tigers football|Grambling State Tigers]], and was a three-time first-team [[Little All-American]] selection. He was drafted by San Diego in the [[1975 NFL draft]] in the first round with the eighth overall pick. Johnson was named to the NFL All-Rookie team in his first season. The Chargers won three consecutive division titles from 1979 through 1981. Their defense led the league in [[Quarterback sack|sacks]] in 1980 behind Johnson's team-record {{frac|17|1|2}} sacks. In 1984, Johnson was traded to the [[San Francisco 49ers]], and he won a [[Super Bowl]] with the team that season. Johnson retired after the 49ers season in 1985.


He is a member of the [[College Football Hall of Fame]] and the [[Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame]], and was named to both the [[List of San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team|Chargers' 40th]] and [[List of San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team|50th anniversary team]]s.
He is a member of the [[College Football Hall of Fame]] and the [[Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame]], and was named to both the [[List of San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team|Chargers' 40th]] and [[List of San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team|50th anniversary team]]s.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Johnson was born in [[Shreveport, Louisiana]], and grew up in [[Bossier City]].<ref name=la_hof>{{cite web|title=Gary "Big Hands" Johnson |work=lasportshall.com |url=http://www.lasportshall.com/inductees/football/gary-big-hands-johnson/?back=inductee |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218093800/http://www.lasportshall.com/inductees/football/gary-big-hands-johnson/?back=inductee |archive-date=December 18, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> When Johnson was in the eighth grade, he wanted to pick up a [[Basketball (ball)|basketball]] in his physical education class when his coach said, "Get your big hands off my basketball." The nickname "Big Hands" was born.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jerry Magee|author-link=Jerry Magee|title=You gotta hand it to legendary Johnson|newspaper=[[The San Diego Union Tribune]]|date=February 12, 2007|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070212/news_1s12bighands.html|access-date=2008-10-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070324121007/http://www.signonsandiego.com:80/uniontrib/20070212/news_1s12bighands.html|archive-date=March 24, 2007}}</ref> He played football at Charlotte Mitchell High School in Bossier City, and later played [[college football]] at [[Grambling State University]] for their [[Grambling State Tigers football|Tigers football]] team.<ref name=la_hof/><ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Evans|title=Gary 'Big Hands' Johnson|date=March 9, 2014|website=1130TheTiger.com|url=https://1130thetiger.com/gary-big-hands-johnson/|access-date=September 2, 2021}}</ref> He was selected by the [[Associated Press]] as a first-team [[defensive tackle]] on the [[Little All-America team]] as a sophomore in 1972.<ref>{{cite news|title=UC Davis QB Is Little All-American|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|date=December 6, 1972|page=22|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89272815/uc-davis-qb-is-little-all-american/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> A senior in 1974, he was named a first-team [[College Football All-American|All-American]] by the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]] and earned his third straight Little All-American selection.<ref>{{cite web|first=Murray|last=Olderman|title='Big Hands' Johnson on All-America|date=December 4, 1974|work=Shreveport Journal|page=E 1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114134878/|access-date=December 5, 2022|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Little All-America Team Named|date=December 5, 1974|work=The Daily Times|page=30|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114134746/|access-date=December 5, 2022|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>
Johnson was born in [[Shreveport, Louisiana]], and grew up in [[Bossier City]].<ref name=la_hof>{{cite web|title=Gary "Big Hands" Johnson |work=lasportshall.com |url=http://www.lasportshall.com/inductees/football/gary-big-hands-johnson/?back=inductee |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218093800/http://www.lasportshall.com/inductees/football/gary-big-hands-johnson/?back=inductee |archive-date=December 18, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> When Johnson was in the eighth grade, he wanted to pick up a [[Basketball (ball)|basketball]] in his physical education class when his coach said, "Get your big hands off my basketball." The nickname "Big Hands" was born.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jerry Magee|author-link=Jerry Magee|title=You gotta hand it to legendary Johnson|newspaper=[[The San Diego Union Tribune]]|date=February 12, 2007|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070212/news_1s12bighands.html|access-date=2008-10-23|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070324121007/http://www.signonsandiego.com:80/uniontrib/20070212/news_1s12bighands.html|archive-date=March 24, 2007}}</ref> He played football at Charlotte Mitchell and Airline High School in Bossier City, and later played [[college football]] at [[Grambling State University]] for their [[Grambling State Tigers football|Tigers football]] team.<ref name=la_hof/><ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Evans|title=Gary 'Big Hands' Johnson|date=March 9, 2014|website=1130TheTiger.com|url=https://1130thetiger.com/gary-big-hands-johnson/|access-date=September 2, 2021}}</ref> He was selected by the [[Associated Press]] as a first-team [[defensive tackle]] on the [[Little All-America team]] as a sophomore in 1972.<ref>{{cite news|title=UC Davis QB Is Little All-American|newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel|date=December 6, 1972|page=22|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89272815/uc-davis-qb-is-little-all-american/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> A senior in 1974, he was named a first-team [[College Football All-American|All-American]] by the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]] and earned his third straight Little All-American selection.<ref>{{cite web|first=Murray|last=Olderman|title='Big Hands' Johnson on All-America|date=December 4, 1974|work=Shreveport Journal|page=E 1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114134878/|access-date=December 5, 2022|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Little All-America Team Named|date=December 5, 1974|work=The Daily Times|page=30|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114134746/|access-date=December 5, 2022|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>


==NFL career==
==NFL career==
Johnson was selected by the [[San Diego Chargers]] in the first round of the [[1975 NFL draft]] with the eight overall pick. He was their first pick that year, when the Chargers also drafted other future defensive starters including cornerback [[Mike Williams (cornerback)|Mike Williams]], defensive linemen [[Fred Dean]] and [[Louie Kelcher]], and safety [[Mike Fuller]].<ref name=moore_01091981/> Johnson was named to the [[Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team|NFL All-Rookie team]],<ref>{{cite web|title=1970s All-Rookie Teams|publisher=Pro Football Writers of America|url=https://www.profootballwriters.org/on-field-awards/1970s-pfwa-all-rookie-teams/|access-date=June 16, 2023}}</ref> but did not start until the middle of the season.<ref name=norcross_09261980>{{cite news|first=Don|last=Norcross|title=Chargers give a big hand to other to other defensive tackle|date=September 26, 1980|newspaper=The Times-Advocate|pages=C-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/126491554/ C-2]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/126484716/|access-date=June 16, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> After only five [[quarterback sack|sacks]] in his first two seasons, he broke out with {{frac|13|1|2}} in [[1977 San Diego Chargers season|1977]], when defensive line coach [[Jerry Smith (American football coach)|Jerry Smith]] arrived from [[Baltimore Colts|Baltimore]].<ref name=moore_01091981/><ref name=norcross_09261980/>
⚫
Johnson was selected by the [[San Diego Chargers]] in the first round of the [[1975 NFL Draft]] with the eight overall pick, and he was named to the NFL All-Rookie team. In [[1980 San Diego Chargers season|1980]], he teamed with fellow 1975 Chargers' draftees [[Fred Dean]] and [[Louie Kelcher]] as the Chargers led the NFL in [[Quarterback sack|sack]]s (60).<ref>{{cite news|last=Moore|first=David Leon|title=Chargers' rush is in good hands|date=January 9, 1981|newspaper=The Sun|location=San Bernardino, Calif.|pages=C-1, C-3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2378323/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=May 9, 2015}}{{open access}}</ref> That year Johnson led the [[NFL]] with {{frac|17|1|2}} sacks, which is still a Chargers' team record. He broke [[Steve DeLong]]'s mark of 17 in [[1969 San Diego Chargers season|1969]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Smith|first=Rick|title=1981 San Diego Chargers Facts Book|year=1981|publisher=San Diego Chargers|page=41}}</ref> Johnson and Dean were named first-team [[All-Pro]], with Kelcher being named second-team All-Pro. The trio, along with [[Leroy Jones (American football)|Leroy Jones]] formed a defensive frontline that was nicknamed the [[Bruise Brothers (San Diego Chargers)|Bruise Brothers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Grambling State University Loses Two Football Legends |date=August 11, 2010 |work=FoxSports.com |publisher=Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/Grambling-State-University-Loses-Two-Football-Legends-86642150 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819165517/http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/Grambling-State-University-Loses-Two-Football-Legends-86642150 |archive-date=August 19, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=No. 16: Chargers' best draft class | date=March 28, 2009 |work=ESPN.com |url=http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=4017589 |access-date=May 27, 2011 |quote=The 2001 class was good, but the 1975 class ranks the best. San Diego had four of the first 33 picks in the draft, and the Chargers selected three defensive linemen that would form the nucleus of "The Bruise Brothers" and once formed three-fourths of the AFC Pro Bowl defensive line.}}{{subscription required}}</ref> Johnson was also named the [[American Football Conference]]'s Defensive Lineman of the Year by the [[National Football League Players Association]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell captures 3 awards|date=March 29, 1981|newspaper=The Spokesman-Review|page=C7|agency=AP|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79975983/|access-date=June 21, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>


⚫
In [[1980 San Diego Chargers season|1980]], the Chargers led the NFL with 60 sacks.<ref name=moore_01091981>{{cite news|last=Moore|first=David Leon|title=Chargers' rush is in good hands|date=January 9, 1981|newspaper=The Sun|location=San Bernardino, Calif.|pages=C-1, C-3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2378323/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=May 9, 2015}}{{open access}}</ref> That year Johnson led the league with {{frac|17|1|2}} sacks, which is still a Chargers' team record. He broke [[Steve DeLong]]'s mark of 17 in [[1969 San Diego Chargers season|1969]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Smith|first=Rick|title=1981 San Diego Chargers Facts Book|year=1981|publisher=San Diego Chargers|page=41}}</ref> Johnson and Dean were named first-team [[All-Pro]], with Kelcher being named second-team All-Pro. The trio, along with [[Leroy Jones (American football)|Leroy Jones]], formed a defensive frontline that was nicknamed the [[Bruise Brothers (San Diego Chargers)|Bruise Brothers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Grambling State University Loses Two Football Legends |date=August 11, 2010 |work=FoxSports.com |publisher=Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/Grambling-State-University-Loses-Two-Football-Legends-86642150 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819165517/http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/Grambling-State-University-Loses-Two-Football-Legends-86642150 |archive-date=August 19, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=No. 16: Chargers' best draft class | date=March 28, 2009 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://insider.espn.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=4017589 |access-date=May 27, 2011 |quote=The 2001 class was good, but the 1975 class ranks the best. San Diego had four of the first 33 picks in the draft, and the Chargers selected three defensive linemen that would form the nucleus of "The Bruise Brothers" and once formed three-fourths of the AFC Pro Bowl defensive line.}}{{subscription required}}</ref> Johnson was also named the [[American Football Conference]]'s Defensive Lineman of the Year by the [[National Football League Players Association]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell captures 3 awards|date=March 29, 1981|newspaper=The Spokesman-Review|page=C7|agency=AP|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79975983/|access-date=June 21, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> He again was named first-team All-Pro in [[1981 San Diego Chargers season|1981]], and was second-team All-Pro in [[1982 San Diego Chargers season|1982]]. He was on [[Pro Bowl]] teams from 1980 to 1983. [[Don Coryell|Don "Air" Coryell's]] Chargers teams of that era are mostly remembered for its high-scoring, pass-oriented offense. The Chargers won the AFC West from 1979 to 1981 and made the playoffs in 1982.
Johnson again was named first-team All-Pro in [[1981 San Diego Chargers season|1981]], and was second-team All-Pro in [[1982 San Diego Chargers season|1982]]. He was on [[Pro Bowl]] teams from 1980 to 1983. [[Don Coryell|Don "Air" Coryell's]] Chargers teams of that era are mostly remembered for its high-scoring, pass-oriented offense. The Chargers won the AFC West from 1979 to 1981 and made the playoffs in 1982.


Johnson was re-united with Dean, Kelcher and [[Billy Shields]] on the [[San Francisco 49ers]], and together they won [[Super Bowl XIX]]. ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' called Johnson the Super Bowl's "unofficial defensive MVP" after he recorded one sack, flushed Miami quarterback [[Dan Marino]] out of the [[passing pocket|pocket]] numerous times, and had four unassisted [[Tackle (football move)|tackles]].<ref name=zimmerman>{{cite news|last=Zimmerman |first=Paul |title=The Niners Were Never Finer |date=January 28, 1985 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/features/superbowl/archives/19/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020104957/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/features/superbowl/archives/19/ |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Johnson retired after the [[1985 NFL season|1985 season]].
Johnson was re-united with Dean, Kelcher and [[Billy Shields]] on the [[San Francisco 49ers]], and together they won [[Super Bowl XIX]]. ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' called Johnson the Super Bowl's "unofficial defensive MVP" after he recorded one sack, flushed Miami quarterback [[Dan Marino]] out of the [[passing pocket|pocket]] numerous times, and had four unassisted [[Tackle (football move)|tackles]].<ref name=zimmerman>{{cite news|last=Zimmerman |first=Paul |title=The Niners Were Never Finer |date=January 28, 1985 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/features/superbowl/archives/19/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020104957/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/features/superbowl/archives/19/ |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Johnson retired after the [[1985 NFL season|1985 season]].


In 1991, Johnson was inducted into the [[Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame]]. In 1997, he was inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]]. In 1999, he was inducted into the [[Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame|Chargers Hall of Fame]]. He is a member of both the Chargers [[List of San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team|40th]] and [[San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team|50th anniversary team]]s. He was elected posthumously into the [[Black College Football Hall of Fame]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=All Inductees|website=BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org|url=https://www.blackcollegefootballhof.org/inductees/alphabetical|access-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref>
In 1991, Johnson was inducted into the [[Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame]]. In 1997, he was inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]]. In 1999, he was inducted into the [[Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame|Chargers Hall of Fame]]. He is a member of both the Chargers [[List of San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team|40th]] and [[San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team|50th anniversary team]]s. He was elected posthumously into the [[Black College Football Hall of Fame]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=All Inductees|website=BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org|url=https://www.blackcollegefootballhof.org/inductees/alphabetical|access-date=February 25, 2021|archive-date=February 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202222806/https://www.blackcollegefootballhof.org/inductees/alphabetical|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Death==
==Death==
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{{Super Bowl XIX}}
{{Super Bowl XIX}}
{{50Chargers}}
{{50Chargers}}
{{Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame}}
{{Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Gary}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Gary}}
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[[Category:Sportspeople from Bossier City, Louisiana]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Bossier City, Louisiana]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Shreveport, Louisiana]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Shreveport, Louisiana]]
[[Category:African-American players of American football]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportspeople]]

Latest revision as of 04:39, 6 November 2024

Gary Johnson
refer to caption
Johnson with the Chargers c. 1982
No. 72, 79, 97
Position:Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born:(1952-08-31)August 31, 1952
Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
Died:August 4, 2010(2010-08-04) (aged 57)
Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:257 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:Mitchell (Bossier City, Louisiana)
College:Grambling State (1971–1974)
NFL draft:1975 / round: 1 / pick: 8
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Sacks:16
Safeties:2
Interceptions:2
Interception yards:93
Fumble recoveries:13
Defensive touchdowns:3
Stats at Pro Football Reference
College Football Hall of Fame

Gary Lynn "Big Hands" Johnson (August 31, 1952 – August 4, 2010) was an American professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was a four-time All-Pro and a four-time Pro Bowl selection. He played the majority of his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, and he was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame.

Johnson played college football for the Grambling State Tigers, and was a three-time first-team Little All-American selection. He was drafted by San Diego in the 1975 NFL draft in the first round with the eighth overall pick. Johnson was named to the NFL All-Rookie team in his first season. The Chargers won three consecutive division titles from 1979 through 1981. Their defense led the league in sacks in 1980 behind Johnson's team-record 17+1⁄2 sacks. In 1984, Johnson was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, and he won a Super Bowl with the team that season. Johnson retired after the 49ers season in 1985.

He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and was named to both the Chargers' 40th and 50th anniversary teams.

Early life

[edit]

Johnson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and grew up in Bossier City.[1] When Johnson was in the eighth grade, he wanted to pick up a basketball in his physical education class when his coach said, "Get your big hands off my basketball." The nickname "Big Hands" was born.[2] He played football at Charlotte Mitchell and Airline High School in Bossier City, and later played college football at Grambling State University for their Tigers football team.[1][3] He was selected by the Associated Press as a first-team defensive tackle on the Little All-America team as a sophomore in 1972.[4] A senior in 1974, he was named a first-team All-American by the Newspaper Enterprise Association and earned his third straight Little All-American selection.[5][6]

NFL career

[edit]

Johnson was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 1975 NFL draft with the eight overall pick. He was their first pick that year, when the Chargers also drafted other future defensive starters including cornerback Mike Williams, defensive linemen Fred Dean and Louie Kelcher, and safety Mike Fuller.[7] Johnson was named to the NFL All-Rookie team,[8] but did not start until the middle of the season.[9] After only five sacks in his first two seasons, he broke out with 13+1⁄2 in 1977, when defensive line coach Jerry Smith arrived from Baltimore.[7][9]

In 1980, the Chargers led the NFL with 60 sacks.[7] That year Johnson led the league with 17+1⁄2 sacks, which is still a Chargers' team record. He broke Steve DeLong's mark of 17 in 1969.[10] Johnson and Dean were named first-team All-Pro, with Kelcher being named second-team All-Pro. The trio, along with Leroy Jones, formed a defensive frontline that was nicknamed the Bruise Brothers.[11][12] Johnson was also named the American Football Conference's Defensive Lineman of the Year by the National Football League Players Association.[13] He again was named first-team All-Pro in 1981, and was second-team All-Pro in 1982. He was on Pro Bowl teams from 1980 to 1983. Don "Air" Coryell's Chargers teams of that era are mostly remembered for its high-scoring, pass-oriented offense. The Chargers won the AFC West from 1979 to 1981 and made the playoffs in 1982.

Johnson was re-united with Dean, Kelcher and Billy Shields on the San Francisco 49ers, and together they won Super Bowl XIX. Sports Illustrated called Johnson the Super Bowl's "unofficial defensive MVP" after he recorded one sack, flushed Miami quarterback Dan Marino out of the pocket numerous times, and had four unassisted tackles.[14] Johnson retired after the 1985 season.

In 1991, Johnson was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. In 1997, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In 1999, he was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame. He is a member of both the Chargers 40th and 50th anniversary teams. He was elected posthumously into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.[15]

Death

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Johnson suffered a stroke on July 20, 2010, and died on August 4 at the LSU Health Sciences Center in his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana.[16][17]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Gary "Big Hands" Johnson". lasportshall.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2015.
  2. ^ Jerry Magee (February 12, 2007). "You gotta hand it to legendary Johnson". The San Diego Union Tribune. Archived from the original on March 24, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2008.
  3. ^ Evans, Chris (March 9, 2014). "Gary 'Big Hands' Johnson". 1130TheTiger.com. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  4. ^ "UC Davis QB Is Little All-American". Santa Cruz Sentinel. December 6, 1972. p. 22 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Olderman, Murray (December 4, 1974). "'Big Hands' Johnson on All-America". Shreveport Journal. p. E 1. Retrieved December 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Little All-America Team Named". The Daily Times. December 5, 1974. p. 30. Retrieved December 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b c Moore, David Leon (January 9, 1981). "Chargers' rush is in good hands". The Sun. San Bernardino, Calif. pp. C-1, C-3. Retrieved May 9, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  8. ^ "1970s All-Rookie Teams". Pro Football Writers of America. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  9. ^ a b Norcross, Don (September 26, 1980). "Chargers give a big hand to other to other defensive tackle". The Times-Advocate. pp. C-1, C-2. Retrieved June 16, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ Smith, Rick (1981). 1981 San Diego Chargers Facts Book. San Diego Chargers. p. 41.
  11. ^ "Grambling State University Loses Two Football Legends". FoxSports.com. Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. August 11, 2010. Archived from the original on August 19, 2010.
  12. ^ "No. 16: Chargers' best draft class". ESPN.com. March 28, 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2011. The 2001 class was good, but the 1975 class ranks the best. San Diego had four of the first 33 picks in the draft, and the Chargers selected three defensive linemen that would form the nucleus of "The Bruise Brothers" and once formed three-fourths of the AFC Pro Bowl defensive line.(subscription required)
  13. ^ "Campbell captures 3 awards". The Spokesman-Review. AP. March 29, 1981. p. C7. Retrieved June 21, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ Zimmerman, Paul (January 28, 1985). "The Niners Were Never Finer". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on October 20, 2012.
  15. ^ "All Inductees". BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org. Archived from the original on February 2, 2020. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  16. ^ Nick Canepa (August 4, 2010). "Gary 'Big Hands' Johnson dead at 57". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on March 22, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2010.
  17. ^ Roy Lang III (August 5, 2010). "Gary 'Big Hands' Johnson dies at 57: Shreveport native spent 11 years in NFL". The Times. pp. 1B, 2B – via Newspapers.com.
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