Demetrious Johnson (July 21, 1961 — December 24, 2022) was an former professional American football player. Johnson is a native St. Louisan who grew up in the Darst-Webbe Housing Project. He was the youngest of eight children and was raised by a single parent. With the odds against him, Johnson was able to stay focused and graduated from McKinley High School, and earned a full athletic scholarship to attend the University of Missouri, Columbia.

During his years at Columbia, Johnson was recognized as a premier defensive back, including Big 8 All Star. Johnson graduated with a bachelor's degree in Education with a major in Counseling Psychology. Upon graduation, the Detroit Lions drafted Johnson.

Johnson’s professional football career lasted five years. During his career, Johnson was the Lions' defensive captain and earned numerous awards, including Player of the Week. Johnson ended his professional football career with the Miami Dolphins in 1987.

Following his retirement from pro football, Johnson joined Sherwood Medical Company, which is now Covidien, as the National Sales Manager for the Athletic Sports Medicine Division.

Understanding the importance of the community recreation center during his childhood, Johnson started exploring ways to give back to his community. With a deep desire to encourage and support underprivileged children to reach their potential, Johnson founded the Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation, Inc. The Foundation’s motto is, “Helping today’s youth towards a better tomorrow.” Its mission is to help better the lives of inner-city youth by providing mentoring, financial, vocational/tutorial and scholastic assistance programs.

Johnson has been married to his high school sweetheart for over 25 years with whom he has three daughters: Ashley, Taylore, and Alexandria. He has another daughter, Lakisha born 1979/80.

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Demetrious Johnson

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