Joe Johnson

Retired NFL

Joe Johnson was born in Cleveland, OH. July 11, 1972. Johnson attended Jennings Sr. High School in St. Louis, MO. This is where his football career began. After receiving a diploma in 1990, Johnson earned a full football scholarship to the University Of Louisville. UofL is where Johnson’s life started to take shape. “College taught me a lot of valuable lessons that have been very helpful in making decisions and pursuing goals in life” (Johnson).

Johnson attended the University Of Louisville for four years where he was a full time starter for three years and was honored as a first team “All American” in his last year as a Cardinal. Johnson chose to for-go his senior year in college to take advantage of a unique opportunity to be drafted in the 1994 NFL draft.

Johnson was the first pick (13th overall) of the New Orleans Saints in the 1994 draft (1994-2001). Johnson received a number of honors while with the Saints as a defensive end; Pro Bowl selection (1998 & 2000), All Madden Team (1998 & 2000), Ed Block Courage Award (2000), Come Back Player Of The Year (2000), All Rookie Team (1994), NFC Player Of The Week (twice during 1998 season & once during 2000 season) and named to the New Orleans Saints Hall Of Fame (2007) & All Saints 50 Team (2016). Johnson played the last two years of his ten-year career for the Green Bay Packers (2002-2003). “My career ended early due to injury, but I was truly blessed with the opportunity to play for two top notch organizations” (Johnson).

In 2004, Johnson relocated to Atlanta, GA. and has since been involved in a number of community based projects along with a number of entrepreneurial opportunities, from real estate investments to investment platforms.