Johnson was homeschooled. He was only able to play football two years there as the public school in his area, Angelo Rodriguez High School, did not add a football program until his junior year. After his senior season, he earned All-State and first-team All-Conference honors. He also played two years of basketball and was a second-team All-Conference selection.
College career
Johnson attended Chabot College in California from 2004 to 2005 before transferring to Kentucky. In his first season with the program, he recorded 12 catches for 159 yards (13.3 avg) and 1 touchdown. Against Clemson in the Music City Bowl, Johnson had three receptions for 67 yards.
The 2007 season was a historic one for Johnson as he compiled 61 receptions for 1,052 yards (17.2 avg) and 13 touchdowns. He became the fourth player in school history to gain over 1,000 yards receiving and his thirteen touchdowns in a season rank second on the school's season-record list.
His first reception came in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, and went for 8 yards. In Week 15, against the New York Jets, Johnson caught his first touchdown reception, a two-yard pass from J. P. Losman. He caught his second touchdown a week later against the Denver Broncos on a three-yard pass from Trent Edwards. Johnson finished his rookie season with 10 receptions for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns.
2009 season
Battling a severe rib injury, Johnson only managed 2 catches for 10 yards in the 2009 season.
2010 season
Johnson in the 2011 preseason, while with the Bills.
After good off-season practices Johnson was able to win the starting receiver position before 2010 season. After losing his starting position early in the season, he regained it with a string of good performances, becoming quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target. In a Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson had a career-game, catching 8 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. Two weeks later, he set a career-high in catches with 11 for 145 yards against the Chicago Bears.
During Week 3 of the 2010 season in a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Johnson scored a fourth-quarter touchdown. After the score, he imitated a minuteman firing a rifle and fell to the ground backward pretending to be shot. Johnson was fined $10,000 for the celebration.[8] In a Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, he caught 8 passes for 137 yards and a career-milestone 3 touchdowns. After his first touchdown, Johnson lifted his jersey to reveal the question "Why so serious?" written on his T-shirt. The quote, made famous by The Joker in the Batman movie sequel The Dark Knight,[9] was directed at Bengals wide receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, who referred to themselves as Batman and Robin.[10] Johnson was fined $5,000 by the league office for the celebration.[11]
He had a breakout campaign in 2010 with 82 receptions, 1073 yards and 10 touchdowns. Following the season, Johnson was named the 2010 Vizio Top Value Performer for being the NFL player who outplayed his salary by the widest margin.[12]
2011 season
In 2011, Johnson's numbers fell a bit, posting 76 receptions for 1,004 yards and 7 touchdown receptions. According to Steve, he played the year with a torn groin and a broken hand.
During the 2011 season, Johnson was fined twice for excessive celebrations. The first was Week 12 against the New York Jets. Johnson pretended to shoot his leg and then fly like a Jet and pretended to crash, mocking Jets receiver Plaxico Burress. The second was during Week 17 against the New England Patriots, after scoring a touchdown, he lifted his jersey to reveal "Happy New Year!" written on his under-shirt. He was given a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty, and head coach Chan Gailey subsequently benched Johnson for the rest of the game, ending his season.[13]
2012 season
On March 5, 2012, Johnson signed a new 5-year contract with the Buffalo Bills worth $36.25 million with a signing bonus of $8.5 million.[14]
In the 2012 season, staying consistent with his statistics, he recorded 79 receptions for 1,046 yards and 6 touchdowns. He became the only receiver in Buffalo Bills history at the time to record three consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons.
2013 season
After the release of Ryan Fitzpatrick prior to the season, Johnson worked with new Bills quarterback EJ Manuel. He caught the game-winning touchdown from Manuel in the closing seconds of a week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.[15] Johnson failed to record a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season, finishing with 52 receptions for 597 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
In the 2014 season Johnson posted the lowest numbers since his sophomore season, totaling 35 receptions for 435 yards and 3 touchdowns. On March 15, 2015, Johnson was released by the 49ers.[17]
San Diego Chargers
On March 17, 2015, Johnson signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the San Diego Chargers.[18] Johnson had a fast start to 2015, but was hampered by recurring injuries later through the season. He finished the season with 45 receptions for 497 yards and 3 touchdowns.[19]
On August 10, 2016, it was reported that Johnson would be out for the entirety of the 2016 season after having surgery to repair his meniscus.[20]
On March 7, 2017, Johnson was released by the Chargers.[21]
During his prime, Johnson was known for his unorthodox route-running skills and footwork, which he attributes to playing basketball. Johnson used his shiftiness to confuse defensive backs and get open, making up for his average size and speed.[23][24][25]
Personal life
Stevie Johnson (born July 22, 1986) is a former NFL wide receiver celebrated for his exceptional talent, iconic touchdown celebrations, and entrepreneurial spirit. Over his eight-season NFL career, Johnson became a standout player for the Buffalo Bills, becoming the first receiver in franchise history to record three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Since retiring from professional football, Johnson has transitioned into a thriving career as a business owner, mentor, and philanthropist.
NFL Career
Johnson was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft after an impressive college career at the University of Kentucky. Known for his creative route-running and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, he made a significant impact in the NFL. Johnson later played for the San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and versatile receiver.
Business Ventures and Ownership
Since leaving the NFL, Johnson has become a successful entrepreneur and leader:
• Club HBHF (Handle Biz, Have Fun): Johnson is the owner and visionary behind Club HBHF, a sports organization that creates opportunities for young athletes to develop both on and off the field. The organization embodies Johnson’s mission of inspiring the next generation to handle their business while enjoying their journey.
• Xposure Academy: As an extension of his entrepreneurial vision, Johnson founded the Xposure Academy, which focuses on equipping athletes and entrepreneurs with essential skills such as financial literacy, personal branding, and leadership. The program empowers individuals to excel in their careers and personal lives, ensuring a lasting impact beyond their immediate success.
• Real Estate Investments: Johnson has also expanded his portfolio by investing in real estate properties, showcasing his strategic business acumen and commitment to financial growth.
• Redzone Football: In 2023, Johnson launched Redzone Football, a cutting-edge flag football product designed to enhance youth and recreational sports, further solidifying his role as an innovator in the sports industry.
Community Engagement
Johnson is dedicated to giving back to the communities that shaped him. He has taken on a head coaching role at his alma mater, Rodriguez High School, where he mentors and inspires young athletes. In Buffalo, he remains a local hero, actively contributing to community programs and youth initiatives.
Published Author
Johnson is also a published author, having co-written children’s books about his NFL career and former Buffalo Bills teammates Fred Jackson,Ryan Fitzpatrick and Eric wood. These books aim to inspire young readers through stories of adversity, perseverance and teamwork.
Advocacy and Public Campaigns
In 2014, Johnson lent his voice to PETA’s “Ink Not Mink” campaign, using his platform to promote ethical fashion choices and advocate for animal rights.
Personal Life
Johnson is the cousin of Bay Area rapper Ya Boy and Kawhi Leonard, forward for the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA, highlighting a family legacy of excellence in sports and entertainment.
Legacy and Vision
Stevie Johnson’s journey from NFL star to business owner and community leader is a testament to his drive, creativity, and vision. As the owner of Club HBHF and founder of Xposure Academy, Johnson continues to inspire the next generation of athletes and entrepreneurs. His diverse ventures and commitment to empowering others ensure his legacy extends far beyond the football field.
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