Some sad news for the holiday season. Former Detroit Lions safety Demetrious Johnson passed away just before Christmas. Johnson was 61 years old.
A fifth-round pick out of Missouri in the 1983 NFL draft, Johnson spent four seasons with the Lions. He was the team’s primary starting strong safety in 1985 and 1986. Johnson, who wore No. 21 in Detroit, picked off three passes and also bagged three sacks in the 1985 season.
He played one season with the Miami Dolphins before entering the post-football life. Johnson returned to his home in St. Louis and became a very well-respected mentor and community leader. There was an outpouring of support for Johnson from the St. Louis community upon his passing.
Remembering Demetrious Johnson
Johnson was drafted by the Lions in 1983 and played four seasons in Detroit. He intercepted five passes and recovered nine fumbles in 62 career games for the team. pic.twitter.com/6JhoxQnnTb
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 26, 2022
Our deepest sympathies are with Johnson’s family and community.
