Dennis Johnson

Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18, 1954 – February 22, 2007), nicknamed "DJ", was an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics and coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. He was an alumnus of Dominguez High School, Los Angeles Harbor College and Pepperdine University.

A prototypical late bloomer, Johnson overcame early struggles and had a successful NBA playing career. Drafted 29th overall in 1976 by the Seattle SuperSonics, Johnson began his professional career as a shooting guard. He eventually led the Sonics to their only NBA championship in 1979, winning the Finals MVP Award. After a short stint with the Phoenix Suns, he became the starting point guard for the Boston Celtics, with whom he won two more championships. Johnson was voted into five All-Star Teams, one All-NBA First and one Second Team, and nine consecutive All-Defensive First and Second Teams. Apart from his reputation as a defensive stopper, Johnson was known as a clutch player who made several decisive plays in NBA playoffs history.

Dennis Johnson (running back)

Dennis Johnson (born February 24, 1990) is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He played college football for Arkansas. He was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He has also been a member of the Cleveland Browns.

Professional career

Houston Texans

Johnson was signed by the Houston Texans on April 28, 2013. He was released by the Texans on August 30, 2013.

Cleveland Browns

Johnson signed with the Cleveland Browns on September 2, 2013. He was released by the Browns on September 7 and re-signed to the Browns' practice squad on September 10, 2013.

Houston Texans

Johnson was claimed by the Houston Texans off the Browns' practice squad on October 27, 2013. The Texans released Johnson on August 11, 2014.

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Dennis Johnson (defensive end)

Dennis Alan Johnson (born December 4, 1979 in Danville, Kentucky) is a former American football defensive end who played for the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). While playing his senior season for Harrodsburg High School, he was named the National Player of the Year by Sports Illustrated and 1997 National High School Defensive Player of the Year by USA Today and The Sporting News. He attended the University of Kentucky, where he was a Third-Team All-American and All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) First-Team defender.

Dennis is currently the head football coach and assistant athletic director at Woodford County High School in Versailles, KY

Early life

Dennis Johnson grew up in Kentucky, where the local high school had very low enrollment. Due to Harrodsburg High School's small size, Johnson was allowed to suit up with the high school varsity team as a second grader. He already stood 5'7" and weighed 170 pounds. His brother, a third grader, was also on the team. The brothers rarely got into a game, but they created enough attention that the state changed the eligibility rules for low-enrollment schools. The brothers had to wait until the seventh grade to play varsity football again. When he returned to the team at age 11, he earned honorable mention all-state honors as a defensive end. Johnson ended his high school career with seven seasons of play and six varsity letters. He was selected as the Sports Illustrated National Player of the Year and the National Defensive Player of the Year by USA Today and The Sporting News.

Dennis Johnson (fullback)

Dennis D. Johnson (born February 26, 1956 in Weir, Mississippi) is a former American football fullback in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants. He played college football at Mississippi State University and was drafted in the third round of the 1978 NFL Draft.

Professional career

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills selected him in the 3rd round (59th overall) of the 1978 NFL Draft. He played in 16 games during their 1978 season and in the first three games of their 1979 season. On October 6, 1979, Johnson was placed on the injured reserve list with a knee injury for the remainder of the 1979 season. The Bills released him on September 3, 1980.

New York Giants

Johnson signed with the New York Giants as a tight end on December 3, 1980 and he played in the final two games of the 1980 season. He returned in 1981, but was placed on the injured reserve list with a knee problem on August 3, 1981 through the entire 1981 season.

Boston/New Orleans Breakers

Dennis Johnson (North Dakota politician)

Dennis Johnson (born 1949) is an American politician. He is a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from the 15th District, serving since 1992. He is a member of the Republican party.

References

Dennis Johnson (defensive tackle)

Dennis Leroy Johnson (born October 22, 1951 in Passaic, New Jersey) was an American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills. He played college football at the University of Delaware and was drafted in the thirteenth round of the 1973 NFL Draft.

Johnson played high school football at Passaic High School.

The Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame inducted Johnson in 2006.

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