Eric johnson’s tight end may not be a household name to many football fans, but his journey from undrafted college player to NFL tight end is an inspiring one. Despite all odds against him, Johnson persevered and made a name for himself in professional football.
Early Years
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Eric Johnson was born on September 18, 1979, in Needham, Massachusetts, and attended Needham High School where he played football and basketball. Unfortunately, he didn’t receive any scholarship offers from Division I colleges during his senior year.
Johnson chose to attend Yale University, where he became a standout tight end for the Bulldogs. Johnson set school records in both career receptions and receiving yards during his time playing football for Yale.
NFL Career
Johnson went undrafted in the 2001 NFL Draft despite an impressive college record. Nevertheless, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent.
Johnson made 12 starts during his rookie season and caught 20 passes for 161 yards. His impressive stats indicated he could be a reliable pass-catcher and key member of the 49er’s offense.
Johnson’s career was ultimately derailed by injuries in the following seasons. He missed all of 2003 and 2005 due to these issues, severely restricting his playing time and production.
Johnson began his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints in 2006, serving as a backup tight end for one season. Later that same year, he signed with Arizona Cardinals and played one more year before retiring from the league.
Legacy
Eric Johnson made an impactful presence during his brief NFL career. At the end of it all, he finished with 162 receptions for 1,818 yards and eight touchdowns – a testament to his tight-end abilities.
Johnson’s resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to many young football players. His journey from being an undrafted college player to making it to the NFL serves as proof that hard work and dedication pay off.
Conclusion
Eric Johnson’s journey from being an undrafted college player to making it in the NFL is an inspiring testament of perseverance and willpower. His story serves as a reminder that anything is possible if you put in effort and never give up on your goals.
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