Gary “Big Hands” Johnson

Connection:  Born and died in Shreveport, LA.  Grew up in Bossier City.

Sport:  Football

Achievements:  Played football at Charlotte Mitchell High School in Bossier City.  Attended Grambling State University.  Drafted #8 overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 1975 NFL Draft as a defensive tackle.  1975 NFL All-Rookie Team.  Two-time First team All-Pro.  Four time Pro-Bowler.  Set San Diego Chargers sack record in 1980 with 17 1/2 sacks.  Superbowl XIX Champion with San Francisco 49ers when he sacked Dan Marion once and had four unassisted tackles.  Member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame.  Member of the San Diego Chargers 40th and 50th anniversary teams.  Played 12 seasons in the NFL.