Bethel Johnson

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Bethel Johnson
Date of birth February 11, 1979
Place of birth Corsicana, Texas
Position(s) Wide receiver
College Texas A&M
NFL Draft 2003 / Round 2
Statistics
Team(s)
2003-2005
2006-present
New England Patriots
Minnesota Vikings

Bethel Johnson (born February 11, 1979, in Corsicana, Texas) is an American football wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. He went to Texas A&M University and was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Known for his speed, Patriots coach Bill Belichick has said Johnson is the fastest player he's ever coached and one of the fastest, if not the fastest, player in the draft. And Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has echoed the sentiments saying "He's as fast as anyone I've ever seen. When I drop back, I can't throw the ball far enough for him not to be able to run it down." [1]

[edit] High School Years

Johnson attended Corsicana High School (Corsicana, Texas) and as a senior, he led his team to the Class 4A state title, and made 44 receptions for 979 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns.

[edit] College career

Johnson attended Texas A&M University, and finished his spectacular college football career with 117 receptions for 1740 yards (14.9 yards per rec.), and 11 receiving touchdowns. His 117 receptions and 1740 receiving yards were school career records.

[edit] NFL career

Johnson served primarily a speed specialist for the Patriots. He was known for several long-range diving catches, as well as two kick returns for touchdowns. In 2004 & 2005, he won the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots

He was traded to the Saints on June 5, 2006 for defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan, who was drafted sixth overall by the Saints in 2003. [2] Johnson was criticized in New England for his ego and his work ethic. And Saints coach Sean Payton questioned Johnson's "conditioning, his stamina and endurance" during the preseason. [3]

Johnson was cut from the Saints before the 2006 regular season began after injuring his knee in a preseason game and then was signed by the Minnesota Vikings on October 10th, 2006. [4]