Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious Johnson (July 21, 1961 – December 24, 2022) was an American professional football player in the National Football League (NFL), having played for the Detroit Lions and the Miami Dolphins. Johnson was a native St. Louisan who grew up in the Darst-Webbe Housing Project. He was the youngest of eight children and was raised by a single parent. He attended his freshman year at pattonville high school. He then graduated from McKinley High School, and earned a full athletic scholarship to attend the University of Missouri, Columbia. During his years at Columbia, Johnson was recognized as a premier defensive back, including Big 8 All Star. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Education with a major in Counseling Psychology. Upon graduation, the Detroit Lions drafted him. Johnson’s professional football career lasted five years, ending with the Miami Dolphins in 1987. During his career, Johnson was the Lions' defensive captain and earned numerous awards, including Player of the Week. In 1985 Johnson, led the Detroit Lions in tackles with 186 and was second in the league in interceptions.