Vance Johnson

Vance Edward Johnson (born March 13, 1963), is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 1985 NFL Draft. A 5'11", 174 lb. wide receiver, Johnson played college football at the University of Arizona, where he functioned as a multipurpose running back. In four seasons as starter for the Wildcats, Johnson amassed 2,885 yards from scrimmage, 104 receptions, and 31 touchdowns, while also returning 62 kickoffs for 1,369 yards and another score.[1] Johnson was also a World-Class long jumper. In 1982, Johnson won the NCAA championship, as well as winning the gold medal at the Junior Pan American games. In 1984 Johnson just missed making the U.S. Olympic team, finishing fourth in the long jump at the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials.

Vance Johnson
No. 82
Position:Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (1963-03-13) March 13, 1963
Trenton, New Jersey
Career information
College:Arizona
NFL Draft:1985 / Round: 2 / Pick: 31
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:415
Receiving yards:5,695
Receiving touchdowns:37
Player stats at NFL.com

Johnson spent his entire NFL career for the Broncos from 1985 to 1995. He assisted the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances in the 1980s and had an impressive performance in Super Bowl XXI, recording five catches for 121 yards and a touchdown. His best season was in 1989, when he recorded 76 receptions for 1,095 yards and seven touchdowns. In his 11 seasons, Johnson recorded 415 receptions for 5,695 yards and 37 touchdowns, while also rushing 17 times for 44 yards. He also gained 689 yards on punt returns, and 1,027 yards returning kickoffs. Johnson and fellow Broncos wide receivers Ricky Nattiel and Mark Jackson all played together from 1987 to 1992 and were nicknamed "The Three Amigos."[2]

As of 2017's NFL off-season, Vance Johnson held at least 3 Broncos franchise records, including:

Post-NFL life

During a 1996 episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Vance admitted to abusing his ex-wife and other women in his life.[3] He is currently an advocate for addiction recovery for athletes post-career.

Johnson owned a real estate company in Grand Junction, Colorado, and VJ's Outlaw Ribs in Parachute, Colorado, where he lived with his son, Scott. He was the owner of Epicurious in Grand Junction, but in November 2012 Johnson abruptly closed it, leaving a note on the front door of the building, but offering no further explanation. Vaughn Edward Johnson (Vance's son) died from a motorcycle accident in 2007.

Vance is now a rehabilitation ambassador with Oglethorpe INC, using his experiences to help others.

Vance Johnson Recovery Center opened in Las Vegas, Nevada October of 2019.

Legacy

In March 2019, the biography of Johnson, "Uncovered: Why Becoming Less Became Everything" was released. Johnson was hiding a serious alcohol and pill addiction that cost him literally everything he had. He hit rock bottom in the middle of a canyon in Colorado. [4] Johnson was interviewed for the March 27, 2019, edition of ABC Action News.[5] He has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Maury Povich Show, the NFL Network and recently Wendy Williams.[6]

Vance was interviewed William Slover of Pain Resource about his struggles with addiction and chronic pain

References
  1. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/vance-johnson-1.html
  2. John Mossman, "Broncos’ original “Three Amigos” ride again, living on in NFL history" The Denver Post, (September 4, 2013). Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  3. Vance Johnson reflects on his abusive past
  4. Johnson, Vance (March 30, 2019). "Uncovered Becoming Less Became Everything". Amazon.
  5. "Former NFL Player Vance Johnson". ABC Action News. March 27, 2019.
  6. "Vance Johnson Reflects on His Abusive Past | Oprah's Lifeclass | Oprah Winfrey Network". Daily Motion. 2015.


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