Riki Johnson is a former American football player who played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft and also played for the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers.
Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named an All-Pro twice. He was also a member of the Bengals' Super Bowl XXIII championship team.
Johnson was known for his strength and athleticism. He was a powerful pass rusher and was also a good run stopper. He was also a durable player, missing only one game in his 12-year career.
| Personal Details | Information ||---|---|| Full Name | Riki Lee Johnson || Born | July 18, 1959 (age 63) || Birth Place | Los Angeles, California || Nationality | American || Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) || Weight | 255 lb (116 kg) || Occupation | Former American football player || Years active | 19811992 || Teams | Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers || Position | Defensive end || College | University of Southern California || NFL Draft | 1981 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4 |After his playing career, Johnson worked as a coach and scout for several NFL teams.
Riki Johnson
Riki Johnson is a former American football player who played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named an All-Pro twice. He was also a member of the Bengals' Super Bowl XXIII championship team.
- Defensive end
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Pro Bowl
- All-Pro
- Super Bowl champion
- Strength
- Athleticism
These key aspects highlight Riki Johnson's successful career as a defensive end in the NFL. He was a dominant pass rusher and a good run stopper, and he was also a durable player, missing only one game in his 12-year career. Johnson's strength and athleticism made him a valuable asset to the Bengals, and he helped them win their first Super Bowl championship in 1988.
1. Defensive end
A defensive end is a position in American football played by two players on the defensive line. Defensive ends are responsible for rushing the quarterback and disrupting the opposing team's running game. They line up on either side of the defensive tackle and are typically the most athletic and agile players on the defensive line.
- Pass rushing
Defensive ends are primarily responsible for rushing the quarterback and putting pressure on him. They use a variety of techniques to get past the offensive linemen blocking them, including speed, strength, and agility. - Run stopping
Defensive ends also play a role in stopping the run. They try to contain the running back and prevent him from getting outside the tackles. Defensive ends can also tackle the running back or force him to change direction. - Athleticism
Defensive ends are typically some of the most athletic players on the field. They need to be strong, fast, and agile in order to be effective. They also need to have good stamina, as they are often on the field for most of the game. - Strength
Defensive ends need to be strong in order to hold their ground against offensive linemen. They also need to be strong enough to shed blocks and make tackles.
Riki Johnson was one of the most successful defensive ends in the NFL during his career. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named an All-Pro twice. He was also a member of the Bengals' Super Bowl XXIII championship team.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) North division. The Bengals were founded in 1968 as an expansion team and have played their home games at Paul Brown Stadium since 2000.
- Riki Johnson's career with the Bengals
Riki Johnson was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft. He played for the Bengals for 10 seasons, from 1981 to 1990. During his time with the Bengals, Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named an All-Pro twice. He was also a member of the Bengals' Super Bowl XXIII championship team.
- Johnson's impact on the Bengals
Johnson was one of the most successful defensive ends in the NFL during his career. He was a dominant pass rusher and a good run stopper. He was also a durable player, missing only one game in his 12-year career. Johnson's presence on the Bengals' defense helped them become one of the most feared defenses in the NFL during the 1980s.
- The Bengals' success with Johnson
The Bengals were one of the most successful teams in the NFL during the 1980s. They won the AFC Championship Game three times and appeared in Super Bowl XXIII. Johnson was a key member of the Bengals' defense during this time, and his contributions helped the team achieve success.
Riki Johnson was a key member of the Cincinnati Bengals during the team's most successful era. He was a dominant defensive end who helped the Bengals win the AFC Championship three times and appear in Super Bowl XXIII. Johnson was also a three-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro. He is considered one of the best defensive ends in Bengals history.
3. Pro Bowl
The Pro Bowl is an annual all-star game in the National Football League (NFL) that showcases the league's best players. The game is played between the AFC and NFC champions, and the rosters are selected by a vote of fans, players, and coaches. Riki Johnson was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, in 1983, 1985, and 1986. He was a key member of the Bengals' defense during this time, and his contributions helped the team achieve success.
The Pro Bowl is a prestigious honor for NFL players, and it is a testament to Johnson's talent and skill that he was selected to the game three times. His Pro Bowl selections are a reflection of his hard work and dedication to the game of football. Johnson was a dominant pass rusher and a good run stopper, and he was one of the most feared defensive ends in the NFL during his career.
Johnson's Pro Bowl selections are a reminder of the Bengals' success during the 1980s. The Bengals were one of the most successful teams in the NFL during this time, and Johnson was a key member of the team's defense. His Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his talent and skill, and they are a reminder of the Bengals' success during the 1980s.
4. All-Pro
An All-Pro is a player who is selected to the Associated Press (AP) All-Pro Team, which is the annual list of the best players in the National Football League (NFL) at each position. Players are selected by a vote of the AP's panel of 50 NFL experts, and the team is recognized as the official All-Pro Team of the NFL.
- Riki Johnson's All-Pro selections
Riki Johnson was selected to the All-Pro Team twice, in 1983 and 1985. He was a key member of the Bengals' defense during this time, and his contributions helped the team achieve success. Johnson was a dominant pass rusher and a good run stopper, and he was one of the most feared defensive ends in the NFL during his career.
- The significance of All-Pro selections
Being selected to the All-Pro Team is a prestigious honor for NFL players, and it is a testament to Johnson's talent and skill that he was selected to the team twice. His All-Pro selections are a reflection of his hard work and dedication to the game of football.
- Johnson's impact on the Bengals
Johnson was a key member of the Bengals' defense during the team's most successful era. The Bengals were one of the most successful teams in the NFL during the 1980s, and Johnson was a key member of the team's defense. His All-Pro selections are a testament to his talent and skill, and they are a reminder of the Bengals' success during the 1980s.
Riki Johnson's All-Pro selections are a reminder of his status as one of the best defensive ends in the NFL during his career. He was a dominant pass rusher and a good run stopper, and he was a key member of the Bengals' defense during the team's most successful era.
5. Super Bowl champion
Riki Johnson was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals team that won Super Bowl XXIII in 1989. He was a key member of the Bengals' defense, which was one of the best in the NFL during the 1980s. Johnson was a dominant pass rusher and a good run stopper, and he helped the Bengals win their first Super Bowl championship.
Winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate goal for any NFL player, and it is a testament to Johnson's talent and skill that he was able to achieve this goal. His Super Bowl victory is a reminder of the Bengals' success during the 1980s, and it is a highlight of Johnson's career.
Johnson's Super Bowl victory is also a reminder of the importance of teamwork. The Bengals were able to win the Super Bowl because they had a talented team with a strong defense. Johnson was a key member of this team, and his contributions helped the Bengals achieve success.
6. Strength
Riki Johnson was known for his strength, both on and off the field. He was a powerful pass rusher who could overpower offensive linemen and get to the quarterback. He was also a good run stopper who could hold his ground against the run and make tackles.
- Physical strength
Johnson was a physically strong man. He could bench press over 500 pounds and squat over 600 pounds. This strength allowed him to overpower offensive linemen and get to the quarterback. He was also able to hold his ground against the run and make tackles.
- Mental strength
Johnson was also mentally strong. He was able to overcome adversity and achieve success. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named an All-Pro twice. He was also a member of the Bengals' Super Bowl XXIII championship team.
- Emotional strength
Johnson was also emotionally strong. He was able to stay focused and motivated even when things were tough. He was also able to deal with pressure and adversity. This emotional strength helped him to succeed on the field and in life.
- Spiritual strength
Johnson was also spiritually strong. He was a devout Christian and he drew strength from his faith. This spiritual strength helped him to overcome adversity and achieve success.
Johnson's strength was a key factor in his success on the field. He was a powerful pass rusher and a good run stopper. He was also able to overcome adversity and achieve success. Johnson's strength is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that anything is possible if we have the strength to believe in ourselves.
7. Athleticism
Riki Johnson was a standout athlete throughout his football career, renowned for his exceptional athleticism. His physical prowess and natural abilities contributed significantly to his success on the field.
- Agility and Speed
Johnson possessed remarkable agility and quickness. His ability to change direction swiftly and accelerate off the line of scrimmage allowed him to evade blockers and pursue ball carriers effectively. These attributes were crucial for his success as a pass rusher and run defender.
- Strength and Power
Johnson's strength and power were evident in his ability to overpower offensive linemen and disrupt the opposing team's offense. His exceptional upper and lower body strength enabled him to shed blocks, tackle ball carriers with force, and generate pressure on the quarterback.
- Endurance and Stamina
Johnson's endurance and stamina allowed him to maintain a high level of performance throughout the game. His ability to play multiple snaps without tiring ensured that he remained a force on the field for the entire duration of the contest.
- Coordination and Balance
Johnson's coordination and balance were essential for his success as a defensive end. His ability to maintain his equilibrium while engaging with blockers and pursuing ball carriers allowed him to make tackles and disrupt plays effectively.
Riki Johnson's athleticism was a cornerstone of his success on the field. His combination of agility, strength, endurance, and coordination made him a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to the Cincinnati Bengals. His athleticism serves as an inspiration to athletes and showcases the importance of physical prowess in achieving excellence in sports.
Frequently Asked Questions about Riki Johnson
This section addresses common queries and misconceptions surrounding Riki Johnson's career and legacy.
Question 1: What were Riki Johnson's most significant accomplishments on the field?
Answer: Riki Johnson's most notable achievements include being a three-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro selection, and a member of the Cincinnati Bengals' Super Bowl XXIII championship team.
Question 2: What were Johnson's key strengths as a defensive end?
Answer: Johnson was renowned for his exceptional strength, athleticism, and pass-rushing abilities. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the opposing team's offense was a significant factor in his success.
Question 3: How many seasons did Riki Johnson play in the NFL?
Answer: Johnson played a total of 12 seasons in the NFL, suiting up for the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers.
Question 4: What is Riki Johnson's current involvement in football?
Answer: After his playing career, Johnson transitioned into coaching and scouting roles for various NFL teams. He currently serves as a scout for the Los Angeles Rams.
Question 5: What legacy did Riki Johnson leave on the sport of football?
Answer: Riki Johnson is remembered as one of the most dominant defensive ends of his era. His contributions to the Cincinnati Bengals' success, along with his personal achievements, have cemented his place in NFL history.
These FAQs provide a concise overview of Riki Johnson's career highlights, strengths, and lasting impact on football.
Transition to the next article section: Exploring Riki Johnson's Coaching and Scouting Career
Conclusion
Riki Johnson's journey as a football player and coach is a testament to his dedication, athleticism, and leadership. Throughout his career, he left an indelible mark on the sport, earning accolades and respect from fans and opponents alike. His success as a defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals, culminating in a Super Bowl victory, showcased his exceptional abilities and unwavering determination.
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Johnson's contributions to football extend to his coaching and scouting roles. As a mentor and evaluator, he played a vital part in developing the next generation of players and shaping the landscape of the NFL. His knowledge, experience, and passion for the game continue to inspire and guide those around him.
Riki Johnson's legacy extends far beyond statistics and championships. He represents the embodiment of hard work, perseverance, and a deep-seated love for football. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have left a lasting impact and serve as a reminder of the transformative power of human endeavor.



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