Derrick Johnson, one of the best defensive players in Texas history, to be inducted into College Football Hall of Fame

One of the best to ever play for Texas will join the ranks of the best to ever play college football. Derrick Johnson, who patrolled the middle of the field during the beginning of the Longhorn football program’s ascendant run in the 2000s, was selected for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame on Monday as part of the class of 2023. Johnson will be the 25th Longhorn to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

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“I’m truly overwhelmed, humbled and so grateful to be selected for the College Football Hall of Fame,” Johnson said. “From the time I came to Texas, I remember the displays in our football building of the Hall of Famers, and now being a part of that special group is an absolute dream come true. Seeing the names of all of the honorees in this class and knowing the rich tradition and history of Longhorn Legends in the Hall of Fame, honestly, I’m pretty speechless right now.”

“Of course, I couldn’t have done this on my own, and I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way, especially Coach (Mack) Brown for bringing me to Texas and providing me the opportunity to be a Longhorn. I was fortunate to have so many great teammates and coaches during my career, and without them, none of this would be possible. This great honor is because of them and my family, who have supported me through thick and thin. They all have a piece of this, and I’m beyond grateful for everyone that made it happen.”

A true Longhorn Legend.

And now…a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Congrats @superdj56 🤘 pic.twitter.com/jZrJPvYSx4

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 9, 2023

Johnson, a product of Waco High School, is also a member of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

During his stellar senior season in 2004, Johnson earned several prestigious national honors. He was the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Winner as well as the Butkus Award winner. He won the Big 12 defensive player of the year award in 2004 as well as the Big 12 Male Athlete of the Year honor. He also finished the year wearing No. 60 against the Texas A&M Aggies, a number that is associated with defensive excellence at the University of Texas. While wearing the digit also donned by Tommy Nobis, Britt Hager, Brian Jones, and Jeff Leiding, Johnson recorded 10 tackles, two pass breakups, and a sack in a win over the Aggies.

In 50 career games with 40 starts, Johnson was part of a run that saw the Longhorns go 43-8. He had 458 career tackles, good for third on UT’s all-time list. Johnson also had 280 solo tackles, 65 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 39 QB pressures, 30 pass breakups, nine interceptions, 11 forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. During his senior year, he set a record for forced fumbles with nine.

“Sally and I are beaming from ear to ear and swelling with pride with the news of Derrick Johnson being selected for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame,” said Brown, Johnson’s coach at Texas. “It’s so hard to put into words the impact he had on our teams at Texas, the joy we’re feeling for him and his family, and the many reasons why he’s so worthy of this honor. From the day we started recruiting DJ as a high schooler and spent time with him and his family, we knew he was a truly special one. He sure did live up to all of our hopes and expectations and much, much more.”

“His success as a player is well documented, the highlights and stats are spectacular, and all he’s done on the football field make him an easy choice as a Hall of Famer. But what made him one of the all-time great players and people was how he led, the way he played, and who he is as a person. DJ was as humble, unselfish and coachable as they come. He was a remarkable player and teammate, but he was equally as impactful on campus and in the community and continues give back through his foundation. He’s just a Hall of Famer in every way, and Sally and I can’t wait to celebrate him when he’s officially inducted in Las Vegas in December.”

After his Texas career was finished, Johnson was drafted with the 15th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He played 13 full seasons for the Chiefs and finished the 2018 season and his career with the Oakland Raiders. He is Kansas City’s all-tie leader in tackles with 1262.

He currently resides in Austin, where he is the director of the Defend the Dream Foundation. He completed his degree at Texas with a bachelor’s in Youth and Community Studies, graduating in 2020.

The 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class will officially be inducted during the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 5, 2023, at the ARIA Resort & Casino Las Vegas.

2023 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS

PLAYERS: 

• Eric Berry – DB, Tennessee (2007-09)
• Michael Bishop – QB, Kansas State (1997-98)
• Reggie Bush – RB, Southern California (2003-05)
• Dwight Freeney – DE, Syracuse (1998-2001)
• Robert Gallery – OT, Iowa (2000-03)
• LaMichael James – RB, Oregon (2009-11)
• Derrick Johnson – LB, Texas (2001-04)
• Bill Kollar – DT, Montana State (1971-73)
• Luke Kuechly – LB, Boston College (2009-11)
• Jeremy Maclin – WR/KR, Missouri (2007-08)
• Terance Mathis – WR, New Mexico (1985-87, 1989)
• Bryant McKinnie – OT, Miami [FL] (2000-01)
• Corey Moore – DL, Virginia Tech (1997-99)
• Michael Stonebreaker – LB, Notre Dame (1986, 1988, 1990)
• Tim Tebow – QB, Florida (2006-09)
• Troy Vincent – DB, Wisconsin (1988-91)
• Brian Westbrook – RB, Villanova (1997-98, 2000-01)
• DeAngelo Williams – RB, Memphis (2002-05)

COACHES: 

• Monte Cater – 275-117-2 (70.1%); Lakeland [WI] (1981-86), Shepherd [WV] (1987-2017)
• Paul Johnson – 189-99-0 (65.6%); Georgia Southern (1997-2001), Navy (2002-07), Georgia Tech (2008-18)
• Roy Kramer – 83-32-2 (71.8%); Central Michigan (1967-77)
• Mark Richt – 171-64-0 (72.8%); Georgia (2001-15), Miami [FL] (2016-18)