Johnnie Johnson was drafted No. 17 overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1980 NFL Draft out of Texas. 124 regular-season games · 7 seasons as a starter · 51 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #17
- Round
- 1
- Draft class
- 1980
- NFL games
- 124
- Years as starter
- 7
- Career AV
- 5118th at Texas
The pick
How Johnnie Johnson came off the board in 1980.
- Position
- Defensive back DB
- College
-
Texas
SEC at the draft
- Side of the ball
- Defense
NFL career
124 regular-season games · 7 seasons as a starter · 51 career approximate value
- Games played
- 124
- Seasons as a starter
- 7
- Career approximate value
- 5118th among Texas picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 5098% of career value
- Final season
- 19899 years after the draft
Around pick 17
Who came off the board on either side of Johnnie Johnson.
BYU
NC State · 2× Pro Bowl
Syracuse · Hall of Fame · 1× All-Pro · 3× Pro Bowl
Louisville · 1× Pro Bowl
Texas in the 1980 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other DB picks from Texas
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
Earl Thomas
DB · SEA · 2010
Texas · 3× All-Pro · 7× Pro Bowl
#21
Jerry Gray
DB · LAR · 1985
Texas · 4× Pro Bowl
#19
Michael Griffin
DB · TEN · 2007
Texas · 2× Pro Bowl
#110
Nathan Vasher
DB · CHI · 2004
Texas · 1× Pro Bowl
#5
Quentin Jammer
DB · LAC · 2002
Texas
#9
Stanley Richard
DB · LAC · 1991
Texas
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Johnnie Johnson in the 1980 NFL Draft
Johnnie Johnson is a Defensive back out of Texas selected No. 17 overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1980 NFL Draft. 124 regular-season games · 7 seasons as a starter · 51 career approximate value Texas has produced 206 NFL draft picks since 1980.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Johnnie Johnson drafted?
Johnnie Johnson was selected No. 17 overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1980 NFL Draft (Rd 1). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1980/johnnie-johnson.
What college did Johnnie Johnson play for?
Johnnie Johnson played college football at Texas in the SEC. See every Texas draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/texas-longhorns.
How did Johnnie Johnson's NFL career turn out?
124 regular-season games · 7 seasons as a starter · 51 career approximate value Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1980/johnnie-johnson.