Charlie Johnson (defensive tackle)

Charles Johnson (February 17, 1952 – August 13, 2021) was an American football defensive tackle who played for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played in Super Bowl XV for the Eagles and was selected to three Pro Bowls. Johnson's three interceptions in 1980 were remarkable because he was typically replaced by teammate Ken Clarke on passing downs. After serving with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, Johnson played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Charlie Johnson

Johnson in 1979 playoffs
No. 65
Position:	Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born:	(1952-02-17)February 17, 1952 Beaumont, Texas, U.S.
Died:	August 13, 2021(2021-08-13) (aged 69) Angleton, Texas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	266 lb (121 kg)
Career information
High school:	Columbia (West Columbia, Texas)
College:	Colorado
NFL draft:	1977 / round: 7 / pick: 175
Career history
Philadelphia Eagles (1977–1981) Minnesota Vikings (1982–1984)
Career highlights and awards
2× First-team All-Pro (1980, 1981) 3× Pro Bowl (1979–1981) Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team First-team All-Big Eight (1976)
Career NFL statistics
Sacks: 18.5 Fumble recoveries: 9 Interceptions: 5 Defensive touchdowns: 2 Stats at Pro Football Reference

After three consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, in the 1982 Eagles training camp Johnson publicly criticized coach Dick Vermeil's training methods and asked to be traded. Both the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings showed interest, and Johnson chose to go to Minnesota, who sent a 1983 second-round selection to the Eagles in exchange for Johnson. He played three more seasons with the Vikings, and retired after the 1984 season.

Johnson died in Angleton, Texas, on August 13, 2021, at the age of 69.