Dirk Johnson

Dirk Johnson (born June 1, 1975) is a former American football punter. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1998. He played college football at Northern Colorado.

Johnson was also a member of the New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

College career

Johnson played college football as a punter and defensive back at the University of Northern Colorado. While there he was a three-time All American selection (as a punter in 1995, as a defensive back and punter in 1996 and as a defensive back in 1997). He helped lead the UNC Bears to two NCAA Division II national championships ('96 and '97). Johnson finished his college career ranked 2nd on the school's all-time list with a 40.8-yard career punting average. He was first-team All-North Central Conference at safety in 1997 and at punter in 1995 and 1996.

Professional career

Seattle Seahawks

Johnson was signed as a rookie free agent by the Seattle Seahawks on April 28, 1998. He was released on August 25, 1998.

New York Jets

Johnson signed with the New York Jets on April 7, 1999. He was released on August 21, 1999.

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers signed Johnson on May 4, 2001. They released him on August 27, 2001.

New Orleans Saints

In 2002, Johnson played one game with the New Orleans Saints. In the spring of that same year he played with their NFL Europe team, the Rhein Fire, and appeared in the World Bowl.

Philadelphia Eagles

In 2003, Johnson was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent. During his four years with the Eagles he had an average of 41.7 yards per kick and played in the 2004 Super Bowl. He was assigned the role of placeholder after the release of Koy Detmer and addition of Jeff Garcia. Johnson was released for the 2007 season on the final day of cuts, with Australian Saverio Rocca favoured as the Eagles punter.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears signed Johnson on September 16, 2007 to temporarily replace veteran punter Brad Maynard, who sustained a minor injury in the previous week. Ironically, after 4 punts with a 49.8 yard average and 60 yard long punt, Johnson also sustained an injury, and was replaced by place kicker Robbie Gould.

On September 24, 2007 the Bears released him.

Arizona Cardinals

Johnson was signed by the Arizona Cardinals on March 5, 2008. He appeared in 12 games for the Cardinals that season, punting 40 times for a 41.8-yard average. The Cardinals released him on December 1 in favor of Ben Graham, this became the second time Johnson has been cut in favor of an Australian punter.

Washington Redskins

Johnson was signed by the Washington Redskins on March 5, 2009 to compete with Zac Atterberry for the team's punting job. However he was released on April 23, 2009 after the team signed Hunter Smith.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Johnson was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers on May 1, 2009. He was released on June 12, 2009.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Johnson was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 13, 2009 after a hip injury to Josh Bidwell. Johnson was placed on injured reserve on November 30, 2009 due to a hamstring injury. He was released on March 4, 2010.

External links

• Arizona Cardinals bio
• Pittsburgh Steelers bio
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers bio