Richard Johnson (defensive back)

Richard James Johnson (born September 16, 1963) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for eight seasons with the Houston Oilers of the National Football League (NFL). He was an All-American and All-Big Ten cornerback in 1984 for the Wisconsin Badgers. He was selected by the Oilers in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft with the 11th overall pick.^[1]

Richard Johnson

No. 23
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1963-09-16) September 16, 1963 (age 61) Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:	Thornton Township (IL)
College:	Wisconsin
NFL draft:	1985: 1st round, 11th pick
Career history
Houston Oilers (1985–1992)
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-American (1984)
Career NFL statistics
Games: 98 Interceptions: 15 Defensive touchdowns: 1 Stats at Pro Football Reference

Johnson played for the Wisconsin from 1982 to 1984, and as a senior he helped lead the 1984 Badgers team to the Hall of Fame Bowl. That season, he set the school single-season record with six blocked kicks — including three in a single game against Missouri — as well as three interceptions, seven passes defended, and four tackles for a loss. In total, 16 players from that team went on to play in the NFL, and Johnson was one of three first-round draft picks along with Al Toon and Darryl Sims.^[2]

Johnson played for the Oilers from 1985 to 1992, appearing in 98 NFL games. He finished his career with 15 interceptions, and had an eight-interception season in 1990.^[3]