Will Johnson (fullback)
 Johnson, left, blocking for a punt in 2013 | |||||||||
| No. 46 New York Giants | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Fullback | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Date of birth: | November 14, 1988 | ||||||||
| Place of birth: | Dayton, Ohio | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 240 lb (109 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Centerville (OH) | ||||||||
| College: | West Virginia | ||||||||
| Undrafted: | 2011 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Roster status: | Injured reserve | ||||||||
| Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2015 | |||||||||
| |||||||||
William Christopher Johnson (born November 14, 1988) is an American football fullback for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). After college graduation in 2011, Johnson sat out an entire year prior to being granted permission to participate in WVU’s 2012 Pro Day. He was signed by the Steelers organization as an undrafted free agent in March 2012, after his second consecutive Pro Day appearance.
Early years
Johnson is a 2007 graduate of Centerville High School in Ohio. He was a two-year starter at running back for the Elks, earning a team record of 20-1 his junior and senior season under head coach, Ron Ullery. Johnson’s honors include receiving the 2007 Sonny Unger Award, 1st Team All Conference, Honorable Mention All State and being named to the 2007 Big 33 team.
College career
In 2007, Johnson committed to West Virginia University after being highly recruited by Rich Rodriguez, then, Head Coach of the WVU Mountaineers. Prior to committing, Johnson received several full-scholarship offers from Michigan State, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Ohio University, Marshall and Eastern Michigan.
While at WVU, Johnson transitioned from a wide receiver into halfback. He received many honors to include Offensive Champion, “Ideal Mountaineer”, as well as being voted Senior Team Captain. His college career concluded with the 2011 NCAA Champs Sports Bowl
Professional career
Pittsburgh Steelers
Johnson was not invited to attend the NFL Combine, and ultimately, went undrafted. In the following year, Johnson worked while continuing to train for an opportunity to play in the NFL. Johnson caught the attention of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert at the 2012 WVU Pro Day workout. He was signed by the Steelers.
After being named to the 2012 mid-season all-rookie team, he scored his first NFL career touchdown in a 27-12 win over the Washington Redskins.
New York Giants
Johnson signed with the New York Giants on April 4, 2016.[1] On September 3, 2016, he was placed on injured reserve.[2]
Personal life
Off the field, Johnson enjoys working out, traveling and painting. He is married to Jessica Johnson, former WVU Gymnast, and is the younger brother of J.T. Gilmore, and son of Wilma Gilmore.
References
- ↑ Alper, Josh (April 4, 2016). "Giants sign Ryan Seymour, visit with several free agents Monday". NBCSports.com. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
- ↑ "Giants waive Andre Williams; Will Johnson to IR".