Walter Johnson (linebacker) explained

Number:57, 90
Position:Linebacker
Birth Date:November 13, 1963
Birth Place:Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:0
Weight Lb:241
High School:Ferriday (LA)
College:Louisiana Tech
Draftyear:1987
Draftround:2
Draftpick:46
Pastteams:
Highlights:
  • SLC Co-Defensive Player of the year (1986)
  • SLC Newcomer of the Year (1983)
  • 2× Division I-AA All-American (1985, 1986)
  • 3× All-SLC (1984, 1985, 1986)
Statlabel1:Games played
Statvalue1:41
Pfr:JohnWa21

Walter Ulysses Johnson (born November 13, 1963) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints. He played college football for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

Early years

Johnson attended Ferriday High School, where he was a defensive end. He also practiced basketball and track. He accepted a football scholarship from Louisiana Tech University.

As a sophomore in 1984, he registered 76 tackles, 11 sacks and 2 blocked kicks. He contributed to the team winning the Southland Conference and reaching the Division I-AA National championship game, where they lost 6-19 against Montana State University.[1]

He blocked 4 kicks as a junior. He was moved from defensive end to outside linebacker as a senior.

He started every game of his college career, finishing with 327 tackles, 38 sacks (school record), 23 pass break ups, 12 forced fumbles and 6 fumble recoveries.[2]

In 2013, he was inducted into the Louisiana Tech University Athletic Hall of Fame.[3] He also was named to the Louisiana Tech All-Century football team.

Professional career

Johnson was selected by the Houston Oilers in the second round (46th overall) of the 1987 NFL draft.[4] He was a backup at outside linebacker and special teams player for two seasons.

In 1989, he was signed as a Plan B free agent by the New Orleans Saints. He was a backup at outside linebacker behind Pat Swilling. He had 3 tackles and one blocked extra point.

In 1990, he signed as a Plan B free agent with the Dallas Cowboys, with the intention of playing him at defensive end. He was released on August 26.

In 1991, he signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints. He was released on August 26.[5]

Personal life

Johnson volunteers as an assistant football coach at Ferriday High School. He owns a convenience store.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 1984 Tech Team to be Honored at Halftime . January 12, 2019.
  2. Web site: LA Tech Hall of Fame Class of 2013: Walter Johnson . January 12, 2019.
  3. Web site: LA Tech Athletic Hall of Fame . January 12, 2019.
  4. Web site: 1987 NFL Draft Listing . 2023-09-25 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  5. Web site: Transactions . January 12, 2019 . New York Times.