Essex L Johnson was a professional American football running back for eight seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals and one season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
20 Facts About Essex Johnson
1.
2.
Essex Johnson attended Shreveport High School, where he played running back, kick returner and punt returner on the football team.
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In 2012, Essex Johnson was inducted into the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame.
4.
Essex Johnson was drafted in the 6th round of the 1968 Common draft by the expansion Cincinnati Bengals, the team's first draft.
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Essex Johnson scored his first professional touchdown in the Bengals' first-ever win.
6.
Essex Johnson returned 22 punts for 122 yards, and returned 14 kicks for 266 yards.
7.
Essex Johnson returned 17 punts for 85 yards, and he returned 16 kicks for 362 yards, a 22.6 average.
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Essex Johnson rushed for 273 yards on 65 attempts with two touchdowns, with 15 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
9.
Essex Johnson returned seven punts for 72 yards and three kicks for 68 yards, a 22.7 average.
10.
Essex Johnson caught 14 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns.
11.
In 1972, Johnson earned his nickname "The Essex Express" as he had a breakout year as the Bengals' featured running back, starting 11 games.
12.
Essex Johnson gained 825 yards in 212 attempts and four touchdowns.
13.
Essex Johnson caught a career-best 29 passes for 420 yards and two touchdowns.
14.
Essex Johnson added 28 receptions for 356 yards and three touchdowns.
15.
Essex Johnson actually reached 1,000 yards, but fell below the benchmark because of penalties and a negative rushing play.
16.
In 1974, beset by a knee injury, Essex Johnson played in only five games, with 44 yards in 19 attempts and eight receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown.
17.
Essex Johnson was selected by the Buccaneers in the 1976 NFL Expansion Draft.
18.
Essex Johnson was waived by the Bucs on February 25,1977, ending his nine-year pro career.
19.
Essex Johnson's son, Essex Johnson, was a star defensive end at Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles where, as a junior, he recorded 96 tackles and eight sacks.
20.
Essex Johnson died on the morning of October 29,2020.