Pepper Johnson

Pepper Johnson is a retired NFL linebacker and current assistant coach. Prior to the NFL, Johnson had a successful collegiate career at Ohio State University, lettering in all four seasons as a Buckeye and earning All-American honors in 1985. In the 1986 NFL Draft, Johnson was drafted in the second round by the New York Giants, where he was a member of two Super Bowl winning teams, along with earning the first of two Pro-Bowl honors. In 1993, Johnson followed former coach Bill Belichick to the Cleveland Browns, where he would spend three seasons until signing with the Detroit Lions, eventually ending his career in 1998 after a two year stint with the New York Jets. Johnson finished his career with 25.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 14 interceptions, and over 1200 tackles. Following his retirement, Johnson became an assistant coach with the New England Patriots, serving as their linebacker and defensive line coach. As a member of the Patriots coaching staff, Johnson won three more Super Bowls, bringing his total to five. After 14 seasons with the Patriots, Johnson announced that he would be leaving to become the defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills, which is his current position.