First, can you let me know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?
Well I worked in government for many years after I retired from the NFL – for the housing authority here in Houma, Louisiana. Before that I worked for Union Pacific Railroad. Now, I’m just retired and collecting my NFL pension. I’m hoping they give us a raise in our pension with the new CBA!
How difficult was the post-NFL transition for you?
The transition was a bit difficult. I didn’t leave on my own terms. I went to Detroit after I left Pittsburgh in 1988 and in a preseason game versus the Rans, I broke my collarbone and punctured a lung after taking a hit. My blood pressure rose sky high. So that was it for me – I didn’t get to leave the game on my own terms.
What brought you to Pittsburgh in free agency after playing for the Cardinals?
I was in St. Louis for two years when they had Roy Green and J.T. Smith – I was their third-down receiver and led the team in yards per catch both seasons. I was looking for a bigger contract then. In the 80’s they just didn’t pay third-down wide receivers like they do today. Now they make millions!
I was always interested in Pittsburgh because of Frank Lewis, who played for the Steelers for many years. He was a friend and worked out with us when I was 15 years old. He had good things to say about the Steelers and all the guys on the team then, so when I had the chance to go play for them I wanted to go for it.
Did anyone take you under their wing there and show you the ropes and the city?
I was married – I had a daughter and another kid on the way. I remember we lived in walking distance of the stadium – at the Allegheny Square Apartments. I found my own way around the city. I was friends with Dwight Stone and Warren Williams, but I mostly hung out with my family.
How was that 1988 season for you – what was your role and contribution like?
I had 10 catches that season for 237 yards.
Not that you remember or anything?
Ha! Back then we had Louis Lipps, Weegie Thompson was there but I forget if he was hurt or they traded him or let him go – I think something happened with him, Lockett was the guy on the other side, and I was the third down guy. I was starting to take some snaps from Lockett near the end of the season.
I also played on special teams. I was the backup to Rod Woodson on kick returns and was on the punt return team.
Any fun memories of the guys there?
I really liked all the coaches. Dennis Fitzgerald – the special teams coach then – he was great. And I really admired Chuck Noll. He was a good, honest man. You always knew what to expect with him. He’d tell me “Johnson, you missed a blitz. We can’t have you in there if you do that.” He was straight-up honest with you and I respected that. It wasn’t like that everywhere.
We had a lot of jokesters. And I remember Aaron Jones as a rookie – every time someone would interview him he’d talk about playing video games. He was just this big kid! Webster – we’d always tease him about his tight-knit pants he’d wear.
I wish I stayed in Pittsburgh and just played for what they wanted to give me. That’s my one big regret to this day.
Why did you leave Pittsburgh in free agency after only one season?
I wanted to stay in Pittsburgh. I knew some of those guys from Louisiana – Bubby played with my brother-in-law in Louisiana so I knew him. But you know how it was then – they just didn’t pay well. I wanted to go and get a decent salary. It was a big mistake though. I should have stayed.
Do you watch the NFL today?
I do, and wish I played today! Now when you catch passes over the middle you don’t have to worry about it as a wide receiver – you don’t have to worry about getting hit with a real shot. They can’t wipe you out anymore.
The best thing in terms of health now is that when you do get hit you go into concussion protocol and you may sit out a game or two and let your brain get a chance to heal and let the swelling go down. Back then you’d go right back in and play.
I’m looking at the millions those third down receivers get paid today too! I was born too soon! I’m glad the guys are being compensated now. It’s a popular sport – they deserve to get paid better.
Any last thoughts before I let you go?
Yeah – I miss the city! I really regret not finishing my time there. I thought the grass was greener on the other side, but it wasn’t. I guess I got a bit bitter – they brought in a couple of guys who ended up getting paid more than me but didn’t catch any passes. I felt down about that, but I should have just stayed and finished my career in Pittsburgh.
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