John Henry Johnson epitomized the complete fullback, combining devastating blocking with punishing running ability over thirteen professional seasons that established him among football's toughest and most talented players. Born November 24, 1929 in Waterproof, Louisiana, Johnson moved young to northern California where he starred at Pittsburg High School. He played college football at Saint Mary's College of California in Moraga, becoming school's first African-American football player before transferring to Arizona State College in Tempe after Saint Mary's dropped football following 1950 season.