Former First Round Pick, Super Bowl Champ WR, Charles Johnson Passes Away

Robert Alvarez

11 months ago at 5:11 pm ET

Posted Under: NFL News

Steve Balestrieri - PatsFans.com

Nine-year NFL veteran wide receiver Charles Johnson died on Tuesday, he was 50 years old.

At this time, Johnson’s cause of death remains unknown according to the first report by CBS 17 in Raleigh, NC.

A first-round draft pick (17th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the University of Colorado, Johnson, known as “CJ” to his teammates, played his first five seasons in the black and yellow before heading east and joining the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons.

In 2001, Johnson joined the New England Patriots and participated in 14 regular season games and all three postseason games that season during the team’s run to a Super Bowl title and his first ring. Johnson caught 16 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown across his 17 games, two receptions were in the AFC Championship win against his former team, the Steelers.

RIP Charles Johnson pic.twitter.com/khAY4VSUss

— Follow @FTBeard7 (@FTBeard7) July 20, 2022

Heading into 2002, Johnson joined the Buffalo Bills before deciding to retire. He would finish his career with 354 receptions for 4,606 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Following his NFL career, Johnson went on to serve as assistant athletic director at Heritage High School in Wake Forest N.C., a job he held until his death. His fellow assistants at the school were fellow NFL alums Dewayne Washington, Willie Parker, and Torry Holt.

Two of Johnson’s teammates in New England shared their reactions to the news over Twitter.

Man. This is a sad day. Loved CJ. He brought happiness to practice every day. Rest I. Peace my friend. https://t.co/VMTKInp9re

— Drew Bledsoe (@DrewBledsoe) July 20, 2022