Card: Action Packed 1991
Acquired: In Person, Houston Oilers Training Camp 1992

After an All Big 10 and All American showing at Wisconsin, Richard Johnson was taken in the first round of the 1985 draft behind future teammate Ray Childress. To say that Richard Johnson’s career would get off to a slow start is an understatement.  He wouldn’t even make his first interception until the 1986 season, and soon would ride himself into head coach Jerry Glanville‘s doghouse. Johnson would cling to the roster- just because of his first round status riding behind Steve Brown and Patrick Allen in the secondary, making spot starts and 7 interceptions over 5 seasons.  Aptly nicknamed “911” for his ability to show up when the Oilers needed him, during the 1988 playoffs, Richard would make a critical interception against the Browns preserving the Oilers’ victory.

With Glanville out in 1990, and the team doing an overhaul, new head coach Jack Pardee decided to go with a different defensive philosophy in the secondary, and Richard, found a chance to redeem himself.  Starting all 16 games in 1990 across from Cris Dishman, Johnson would lead the AFC in interceptions with 8, more than doubling his total, before an ACL injury sidelined him in the playoffs.  In 1991, teams would throw away from Richard, afraid of his cover skills, and he wouldn’t make another interception, before his career ended during the 1992 season.

The game Tecmo Bowl rewarded Richard for his excellent 1990 performance, where he is considered one of the best defensive backs in the game. I’ve been debating sending this former Oiler a few more cards to sign, and may do so at a later date. Richard Johnson, defensive back, is not to be confused with Richard Johnson, wide receiver who played for the Houston Gamblers and Detroit Lions roughly during the same time period.

G/Gs 98/37     Tac n/a     Sac 1.0   Fum 1    
Int  15     Yds 106      Avg  7.0    Td 1     lg 35