Professional Football Player. Born John Curley Johnson, he was the punter for the Dallas Texans, New York Titans, and New York Jets of the American Football League and the New York Giants of the National Football League from 1960 to 1969. He played collegiately at the University of Houston and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 1957 NFL Draft. He didn't get to play for the Steelers, but three years later joined the newly formed American Football League's Dallas Texans. He signed with the AFL's New York Titans as a free agent the next year and remained with the team (the Titans became the New York Jets in 1963) until 1968. He was named to the AFL All-Star Game in 1965 and was part of the Jets' Super Bowl-winning season in 1968. In 1969 he was released by the Jets and caught on with the NFL's New York Giants, where he lasted only five games. He was one of the Jets' best punters, holding the record for gross punting average for nearly fifty years. During the early part of his career, he also played halfback and tight end. He passed away one day after celebrating his 61st wedding anniversary.
Professional Football Player. Born John Curley Johnson, he was the punter for the Dallas Texans, New York Titans, and New York Jets of the American Football League and the New York Giants of the National Football League from 1960 to 1969. He played collegiately at the University of Houston and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 1957 NFL Draft. He didn't get to play for the Steelers, but three years later joined the newly formed American Football League's Dallas Texans. He signed with the AFL's New York Titans as a free agent the next year and remained with the team (the Titans became the New York Jets in 1963) until 1968. He was named to the AFL All-Star Game in 1965 and was part of the Jets' Super Bowl-winning season in 1968. In 1969 he was released by the Jets and caught on with the NFL's New York Giants, where he lasted only five games. He was one of the Jets' best punters, holding the record for gross punting average for nearly fifty years. During the early part of his career, he also played halfback and tight end. He passed away one day after celebrating his 61st wedding anniversary.
Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye
Advertisement
