Running back John Henry Johnson, a member of the 49ers' famed "Million Dollar Backfield" in the mid-1950s, died in Tracy, Calif., on Friday at the age of 81, according to several relatives and close friends.
Family members said Johnson's health had been in decline the past five years.
Johnson's pro playing career spanned 14 seasons, including 13 in the NFL and now-defunct American Football League, and culminated with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He prepped at Pittsburg High School.
"For kids in this town, and for me, he was more than a role model; a hero, you might say," said Federal Glover, who played football for Pittsburg High and now is a District V Supervisor. "He paved the way and inspired dozens of others to say to themselves, 'I may come from a small town and a small high school, but I can play in the big leagues."'
Johnson's most productive seasons came with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the '60s, when he twice rushed for more than 1,000 yards. .............
Read more @ http://www.kansascity.com/2011/06/04...amer-john.html
Reply With Quote
JHJ. You lived a legend . . . you died a legend.
