James Johnson (football player)

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James Johnson
James Johnson returning an interception for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2007
Date of birth:	May 5, 1980 (1980-05-05) (age 28)
Place of birth:	Los Angeles, California
Career information
Status:	active
CFL status:	Import
Position(s):	DB
Height:	5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight:	180 lb (82 kg)
Jersey №:	19
College:	Arkansas State University
Organizations
As player:
2006-present	Saskatchewan Roughriders
Career highlights and Awards
Awards:	2007 Grey Cup MVP
Stats at CFL.ca

James Johnson (born May 5, 1980 in Los Angeles, California) is a cornerback playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

Johnson was signed as a free agent by Saskatchewan in 2006, and dressed for a total of 15 games, starting seven at cornerback.

In 2007, Johnson was named Most Valuable Player of the Grey Cup Championship game in which he recorded three interceptions.

He played collegiately for Arkansas State University.

Johnson was named the outstanding player of the 95th Canadian Football League Grey Cup on Nov. 25, 2007 after intercepting a record three passes, including one for a 30-yard touchdown. His defensive efforts helped lead the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a 23-19 victory over their CFL Prairie rival Winnipeg Blue Bombers. It was the first time since 1994 that a defensive player was awarded the Grey Cup's top individual title. For Johnson, the $10,000 cash prize is quite a windfall for someone who used to work "12 hours a day, every day" at an oil refinery in Los Angeles.

Johnson didn't even play high school football. He only started playing for West Los Angeles Junior College, but wasn't given any equipment until he finally made the team as a defensive back, after being switched from running back. Arkansas State finally gave him a scholarship.

"I could never imagine this. That's the first time I've ever had three interceptions in a game."

Johnson joined the Roughriders in 2006. His college coach had sent a videotape to former Riders general manager Roy Shivers. "My college coach gave Mr. Shivers a call," said Johnson. "Mr. Shivers didn't really get a chance to see any tape on me, so he decided he was just going to bring me to camp. If I didn't perform he was going to send me home right away. I probably had the best training camp since my first year playing."

It was the long-suffering Roughriders' third national football championship in 15 Grey Cup appearances.

[edit] References

• James Johnson at Regina Leader-Post, retrieved November 25, 2007
• James Johnson at cfl.ca, retrieved August 5 2007

Preceded by Dave Dickenson

Grey Cup MVP 2007

Succeeded by incumbent