Tag Archives: pepper johnson

AAF, NFL, XFL

Johnson, Pepper

Action Packed 1992 #182, ProSet 1989 #470

Cards: Action Packed 1992, ProSet 1989, Topps AAF 2019
Acquired: TTM 2021, C/o Work
Sent: 4/3 Received: 5/10 (37 days)
Donation: $5.00 per card

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Recorded 379 tackles and 5 sacks playing for the Buckeyes from 1982-1985.
  • New York Giants 2nd Round pick out of Ohio State in 1986 who was penciled in to play inside linebacker replacing Harry Carson.
  • Equally adept dropping into pass coverage or laying down the wood on opposing ball carriers.
  • Giants leading tackler in 1988, 1990-1992.
  • Pepper joined the Cleveland Browns in 1993, reuniting him with former Giants defensive coordinator Bill Belichick, who used him at both inside and outside linebacker.
  • Johnson led the Browns in tackles with 207 in 1994, and 195 in 1995.
  • Went on to play for the Lions (96), and Jets (97/98).
  • Joined coaching staff of the Patriots in 2000 as a positional coach, and coached there through 2013.
  • Later Pepper coached for the Bills (14), Jets (15/16), in the AAF with the Memphis Express (2019), and briefly with the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL (2020).
  • In 2021 Pepper coached for IMG Academy in Florida.
Topps AAF 2019 #78

ACCOLADES:

  • Pepper is a two time Pro Bowler (90/94).
  • First team All-Pro (90).
  • Two time Super Bowl champion as player (XXI, XXV).
  • Three time Super Bowl champion as coach (XXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)

NOTES:

Pepper’s given name is Thomas. His nickname came from his habit of sprinkling pepper on his cereal as a child.

Pepper’s time in the XFL as a defensive coach lasted just one game as defensive coordinator of the Wildcats in 2020. He was fired after the team allowed 4 TD passes against the Houston Roughnecks in their season opener.

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