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James Johnson

№: 19     Winnipeg Blue Bombers
James Johnson returning an interception for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2007
Date of birth:	May 5, 1980 (1980-05-05) (age 29)
Place of birth:	Los Angeles, California
Career information
Status:	active
CFL status:	Import
Position(s):	DB
Height:	5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight:	180 lb (82 kg)
Jersey №:	19
College:	Arkansas State University
Organizations
As player:
2006-2008 2009-present	Saskatchewan Roughriders Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Career highlights and awards
Awards:	2007 Grey Cup MVP
Playing stats at CFL.ca

James Johnson (born May 5, 1980, in Los Angeles, California) is a professional Canadian football cornerback playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

Johnson was signed as a free agent by Saskatchewan in 2006, and dressed for a total of 15 games, starting seven at cornerback.

In 2007, Johnson was named Most Valuable Player of the 95th Grey Cup game in which he recorded a Grey Cup Record three interceptions against Ryan Dinwiddie.

He played collegiately for Arkansas State University.

Johnson was named the outstanding player of the 95th Canadian Football League Grey Cup on Nov. 25, 2007 after intercepting a record three passes, including one for a 30-yard touchdown. His defensive efforts helped lead the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a 23-19 victory over their CFL Prairie rival Winnipeg Blue Bombers. It was the first time since 1994 that a defensive player was awarded the Grey Cup's top individual title. Johnson received a $10,000 bonus in cash for his efforts.

"I could never imagine this. That's the first time I've ever had three interceptions in a game."

Johnson did not play high school football. He started playing for West Los Angeles Junior College, but was not given any equipment until he made the team as a defensive back, after being switched from running back. Arkansas State then gave him a scholarship.

Johnson joined the Roughriders in 2006. His college coach had sent a videotape to former Riders general manager Roy Shivers. "My college coach gave Mr. Shivers a call," said Johnson. "Mr. Shivers didn't really get a chance to see any tape on me, so he decided he was just going to bring me to camp. If I didn't perform he was going to send me home right away. I probably had the best training camp since my first year playing."

It was only the Roughriders' third national football championship in 15 Grey Cup appearances.

On February 16, 2009, Johnson was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in exchange for a draft pick in the 2011 Canadian College Draft.^[1]

[edit] References

1. ^ "Riders deal defensive back James Johnson to Blue Bombers for 2011 draft pick". The Canadian Press. 2009-02-16. http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5ji79tqUMkcT-fgRH1lWlt6gaZUPQ. Retrieved 2009-02-17. 

• James Johnson at Regina Leader-Post, retrieved November 25, 2007
• [1] at cfl.ca, retrieved July 5, 2009

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