Pete Johnson (American football, born 1954)

Pete Johnson (born January 21, 1954) is a former American football running back who played primarily for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL) from 1977 to 1984. He also played briefly for the San Diego Chargers in 1987.

Johnson was a star running back at Ohio State University, playing from 1973 to 1976 under legendary coach Woody Hayes. He was known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. During his time at Ohio State, he scored 56 touchdowns, a school record that stood for many years. He was a key member of the Buckeyes' undefeated 1973 and 1975 teams and earned All-American honors.

Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1977 NFL Draft, Johnson quickly became a fan favorite. He was a bruising short-yardage specialist, known for his ability to gain tough yards near the goal line. He played an integral role in the Bengals' success during the late 1970s and early 1980s, including their Super Bowl XVI appearance against the San Francisco 49ers.

Johnson's career statistics include 742 carries for 2,926 rushing yards and 70 rushing touchdowns, which remained a Bengals franchise record for many years. He was inducted into the Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor. After his playing career, Johnson remained involved in the Cincinnati community.