Introduction
Anthony Johnson (born January 24, 1993) is an American football defensive end for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at LSU. During his high school football career at O. Perry Walker High School in New Orleans, Johnson broke the Louisiana career quarterback sack record with 67.5 sacks.
High school career
Born to Nakisha Johnson and Sherman Patty and raised in New Orleans, Johnson's family was displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and moved to Atlanta, and later Mobile, Alabama, for a period of time.
After returning to New Orleans, Johnson attended O. Perry Walker High School, where he was a four-time all-district selection. He broke the Louisiana career sack record with 67.5 sacks during his four-year career. As a senior in 2010, he recorded 129 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, and 17.5 sacks. Walker went 9–4 on the season, advancing to the LHSAA Class 4A semifinals, where they lost 36–6 to Franklinton. Both USA Today and Parade named Johnson to their All-American teams. Gatorade named him the Louisiana State Player of the Year, as the first lineman, and only third defender, in the 16 years of the award.
One of the most sought after high school players in the country, Johnson was rated as a five-star prospect by every recruiting service. Rivals.com ranked him the No. 1 defensive tackle of his class, and compared him to Darnell Dockett. Johnson chose LSU over offers from almost every major school, including Alabama, Oklahoma, and Southern California.
College career
Johnson played in thirteen games for LSU in 2011, and was named to both the CBSSports.com and Sporting News Freshman All-American team's. He was named full-time starter in his junior year for the 2013 football season. Johnson declared for the 2014 NFL Draft after his junior season.
Professional career
2014 NFL Combine
| Ht | Wt | Arm length | Hand size | 40-yd dash | 10-yd split | 20-yd split | 20-ss | 3-cone | Vert | Broad | BP | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 2 in | 308 lb | 33 in | 10 3⁄8 in | 5.24 s | 1.82 s | 3.05 s | 4.83 s | 7.93 s | 24 1/2 in | 08 ft 06 in | 20 reps | ||||||||
| All values from NFL Combine | |||||||||||||||||||
Miami Dolphins
On May 10, 2014, Johnson signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent. On December 13, 2014 he was placed on season ending injured reserve after an ankle injury. Johnson did not make the cut for the Dolphins' 2015 season roster.
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins signed Johnson to their practice squad on November 9, 2015.
He signed a futures contract on January 11, 2016. He was released on May 2.
New England Patriots
Johnson signed with the New England Patriots on May 9, 2016. He was released on September 26, 2016. He was signed to the practice squad two days later. He was promoted back to the active roster on October 15, 2016. On October 24, the Patriots waived Johnson. He was re-signed to the practice squad on October 26, 2016.
New York Jets
On November 9, 2016 Johnson was signed by the Jets off the Patriots' practice squad.