2000 Hall of Fame Inductee

DENNIS L. JOHNSON

(1951-1997)
Football (1969-72)
Inducted 2000

Regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in University of Delaware football history, Johnson enjoyed an All-American career at defensive tackle for the Blue Hens in 1970-72. The inspirational leader for the Blue Hens under head coach Tubby Raymond, the 1973 UD graduate helped Delaware win consecutive Small College National titles in 1971-72 and three straight Lambert Cup trophies. The 1972 team captain, Johnson earned All-American honors twice and was named to Delaware's All-Time team in 1989. He collected 215 career tackles, one of the highest totals ever for a UD defensive lineman. A 13th round draft pick by Washington in the 1973 National Football League draft, Johnson went on to play five seasons with the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills and was the first UD alum to start a game in the NFL. A native of Passaic, N.J., he died in 1997 at the age of 46.