PITTSBURGH – NOVEMBER 1: Wide receiver Charles Johnson #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a pass against defensive back Steve Jackson #24 of the Tennessee Oilers (later Tennessee Titans) during a game at Three Rivers Stadium on November 1, 1998 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Former Super Bowl champion Charles Johnson died on Wednesday at 50 years old. He played for nine seasons in the NFL, notably with the Steelers in Patriots.
A nine-year NFL veteran, Charles Johnson was found dead on Wednesday. He was 50 years old.
The news was sadly confirmed by the Colorado Buffaloes, who he starred with in the early 1990s, and Heritage High School in Wake Forest, NC, where he was serving as an athletic administrator.
Johnson’s cause of death has not yet been revealed but it comes in the same year as the untimely passing of two other former NFL wide receiver, Demaryius Thomas and Vincent Jackson.
Former Super Bowl champion Charles Johnson found dead at 50
After rising to stardom in tandem with quarterback Kordell Stewart for the Colorado Buffaloes, Johnson was selected 17th overall in the 1994 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Johnson then spent two seasons in Pittsburgh before a two-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. In the 2001 season, he signed with the New England Patriots, who he then went on that year to win a Super Bowl with. His career concluded after spending the 2002 season with the Buffalo Bills.
For his career, Johnson tallied 354 receptions for 4,606 yards and 24 touchdowns. Following his time in the NFL, he joined the staff at Heritage High School, which has employed several other former NFL players, most recently serving as an assistant athletic director.
It’s a sad loss for Johnson’s friends, family, and NFL fans. May he rest in peace.