AFL PROFILE: RON JOHNSON, ORL

By Neil Bisman

If big, physical wide receivers are your thing, look no further than the Orlando Predators’ Ron Johnson.

Johnson, a six-foot-three-inch, 228-pound product of the University of Minnesota, is currently playing in his second season in the Arena Football League. While playing for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, he earned both first-team and second-team All-Big-Ten honors during his illustrious career.

After an impressive debut season in 2007 for the Predators, Johnson is picking up right where he left off. The Detroit, Michigan native currently ranks 8th in the League in receptions (40) and 14th in the League in receiving yards (405).

The Orlando wide receiver is also no stranger to the National Football League. Drafted in the 4th round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson started four games as a rookie and recorded 11 receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown over his 25-game NFL career. In a 2002 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson returned a blocked punt 22 yards for a touchdown.

His father, Ron Johnson Sr., also has NFL experience, playing cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1978-84.

Johnson, along with teammate and the League leader in receiving yards (650), T.T. Toliver, form what is arguably the most feared duo of receivers in the AFL.

Together, they are a quarterback’s best friend and a defensive back’s worst nightmare.

Teammates Ron Johnson and T.T. Toliver can be seen on Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football Sunday, April 6th on ESPN2 at 2:00 P.M. ET when the Orlando Predators (3-2) host the Chicago Rush (4-1).