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Ted Johnson
Ted Johnson
from Wikipedia

Ted Curtis Johnson[1] (born December 4, 1972) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He grew up in Carlsbad, California where he graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1991. He played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes and was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 1995 NFL draft with the 57th overall pick.[2]

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 3+38 in
(1.91 m)
248 lb
(112 kg)
32+12 in
(0.83 m)
9+14 in
(0.23 m)
4.84 s 1.66 s 2.78 s 4.35 s 31.5 in
(0.80 m)
10 ft 1 in
(3.07 m)
28 reps
All values from NFL Combine[3]

In his ten-year professional career, Johnson played in 125 regular season games and recorded 763 tackles, 11.5 sacks, one interception, 16 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries. He was noted for his ability to generate many tackles and for his smart play at the linebacker position. He also was able to make an impact for the Patriots without tackling the ballcarrier, as former Fox Network analyst and NFL player Matt Millen states, "What you didn't see is Ted Johnson stoning the guard, getting off the guard, taking on the fullback and freeing up (Todd) Collins to make the tackle. That play does not get made except for Ted Johnson."[4]

Johnson retired before the 2005 NFL season after sustaining many documented and undocumented concussions during his career.

Career statistics

[edit]
Year Team GP Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
Comb Solo Ast Sack STF FF FR Yds Int Yds Avg Long TD PD
1995 NE 12 71 41 30 0.5 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
1996 NE 16 114 86 28 0.0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 4
1997 NE 16 127 95 32 4.0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
1998 NE 13 95 65 30 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4
1999 NE 5 38 25 13 2.0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2000 NE 13 73 50 23 0.5 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2001 NE 12 45 32 13 0.0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4
2002 NE 14 96 62 34 1.5 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2003 NE 8 21 15 6 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2004 NE 16 77 55 22 1.0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Total Total 125 757 526 231 11.5 8 6 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 17

[5]

Post-playing career

[edit]

In an interview with USA Today in 2005, Johnson indicated he would know the opposing team's private signals or audibles prior to the game in order to have a competitive advantage. He claims that he never knew the source of the confidential information.[6]

Every now and then I'd get a sheet, one hour before the game, with a list of audibles for our opponent. I don't know how, but they just showed up."

— Ted Johnson (November 2005), [7]

On February 1, 2007, Johnson told the New York Times that he suffers from amphetamine addiction, depression and headaches related to post-concussion syndrome and Second Impact Syndrome. He placed some blame on his former coach Bill Belichick for pressuring him to participate in full contact practice drills three days after suffering a concussion in an exhibition game against the New York Giants in August 2002. Johnson reported that during the drills, he suffered a second concussion, and he argues that Belichick asked him to participate against the advice of the team's head trainer. Belichick denies these allegations.[8] Some thought Johnson's revelation was suspect based upon a December 20, 2006 column in the Boston Herald where columnist Michael Felger said Johnson told him that he would have considered playing for the Patriots in 2006 had they asked (in the wake of a season-ending injury to linebacker Junior Seau).[9] However, in a February 14, 2007 interview on the Dennis and Callahan Show on WEEI, Johnson claimed he wasn't being serious when he said that, and in fact stated he said it sarcastically. [10][11]

On January 28, 2009, he discussed his problems with concussions sustained during his pro football career and the impact it had on his life in a CNN article. He indicated he was very inactive for two years following his retirement, barely leaving the house, and described those as bad days. He described himself as still occasionally suffering from anger, depression, and throbbing headaches. The implication was that he had since improved; however, no details were provided.

Personal

[edit]

Johnson served as an adjunct professor for two years at Suffolk University in the Boston area.[12] In 1984, Ted Johnson Sr., his father, and Sylvia Johnson, his stepmother, opened The Original Rib Tickler barbecue restaurant in Tomball, TX.[13] He currently resides in Massachusetts with his longtime girlfriend.

Sports radio

[edit]

Johnson spent the 2005 season as a football analyst for Boston television station WBZ-TV, but resigned from the station in 2006.

Johnson served as a co-host of "The Triple Threat" afternoon show on KILT (SportsRadio 610) in Houston. During his radio sports talk show on March 21, 2013, he was asked who was the ugliest wife in the NFL. He named Bianca Wilfork, wife of his former teammate Vince Wilfork. After receiving widespread criticism for his comment, including from Wilfork, Johnson issued an apology.[14][15] Johnson left the Triple Threat and SportsRadio 610 in summer 2018 to return to the northeastern US.[12]

In December 2018, 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston hired Johnson.

In January 2025, WEEI hired Johnson to serve as a new co-host for their afternoon-drive show.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ted Johnson (born December 4, 1972) is an American former professional football linebacker who played nine seasons with the from 1995 to 2004. Drafted in the second round of the out of the , Johnson emerged as a defensive leader, serving as team captain for five seasons and defensive signal-caller throughout his career. During his tenure with the Patriots, Johnson contributed to three victories (XXXVI in 2002, XXXVIII in 2004, and XXXIX in 2005), earning recognition on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1995 and the franchise's All-1990s Team. His career statistics include 167 solo tackles, 75 assists, 11.5 sacks, seven fumble recoveries, and one , reflecting his role in a defense that transformed under coach . Johnson retired in 2005 following repeated concussions, particularly after a 2002 training camp incident where he accused Belichick of ignoring medical advice by subjecting him to full-contact drills while recovering from a sustained in practice. Post-retirement, Johnson has advocated for greater awareness of risks and (CTE) in football, linking his own experiences with repetitive head trauma to subsequent struggles with , cognitive issues, and challenges. He has publicly criticized the for inadequate player protections and information on long-term injuries, contributing to broader discussions on safety through speaking engagements and interviews. Johnson's and personal account have highlighted the causal links between on-field impacts and neurological decline, influencing ongoing debates about football's health costs despite the league's financial settlements with former players.

Early life and education

Childhood and high school

Ted Curtis Johnson was born on December 4, 1972, in . He grew up in , in an unstable family environment marked by trauma and anger, which later influenced his intense commitment to football as an outlet. His father, a football enthusiast, introduced him to the sport early by taking him to games, fostering an early passion amid a household where athletics became a critical focus for personal drive. Johnson attended Carlsbad High School, graduating in 1991, where he joined the and developed his skills as a linebacker. Standing at 6-foot-4 with a sturdy build inherited from his maternal grandfather, he honed a physical playing style through contact sports starting in his youth, emphasizing hard hits that would characterize his career. His high school experience laid the groundwork for his recruitment to , though specific all-conference honors from that period are not widely documented in primary athletic records.

College career at Colorado

Johnson attended the from 1991 to 1994, where he played as an inside linebacker for the under head coach . During his four years as a starter, he grew physically into a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defender, contributing to the team's defensive efforts in the . Johnson demonstrated strong tackling ability, recording multiple high-tackle games, including two performances with 20 tackles. In 1993, he led the Buffaloes with 131 tackles. The following year, he topped the in tackles with 147, earning third-team All-American recognition. He also intercepted three passes in , ranking tenth in the conference. These performances highlighted his instincts and physicality as a run-stopper, qualities that distinguished him among conference linebackers. McCartney praised Johnson's complete skill set, noting his recruitment in 1990 and development into a reliable defender capable of impacting both run and pass defenses. While specific injury details from his tenure are limited in records, Johnson's consistent starting role and statistical output underscored his durability and leadership on a defense that competed in games during his era.

Professional football career

NFL draft and rookie years

The selected Ted Johnson in the second round (57th overall) of the . He signed a rookie contract with the team on July 18, 1995, joining a squad in the midst of rebuilding efforts under head coach , who had assumed control in 1993 to revitalize the franchise's defense and overall competitiveness. In his rookie season of 1995, Johnson appeared in 12 games, starting all of them at inside linebacker despite missing four contests due to a sprained injury. He recorded 69 combined tackles (41 solo, 28 assisted), 0.5 sacks, and no interceptions, contributing primarily as a run-stopper and coverage defender in Parcells' aggressive 3-4 scheme. Johnson's development continued in 1996, his first full season without major injury, where he started all 16 games and led the Patriots in tackles with 115 (87 solo, 28 assisted) while securing his first career against the on December 1. Under Parcells' continued guidance, he demonstrated growing versatility in both run defense and pass coverage, helping anchor a unit that propelled to . In 1997, following Parcells' departure and the arrival of head coach , Johnson adapted to new defensive coordinator Tim Bowens' adjustments, again leading the team in tackles with a career-high 127 (95 solo, 32 assisted) and adding 4 sacks across 16 starts.

New England Patriots tenure

Johnson was selected by the in the second round (57th overall) of the and established himself as a starting inside linebacker during his decade-long tenure with the team through the 2004 season. Under head coach , who assumed control in 2000, Johnson emerged as a core defensive leader alongside , contributing to the Patriots' transformation into a perennial contender. He served as a defensive captain for three seasons, providing veteran stability to a unit that emphasized disciplined, gap-sound play. Johnson played integral roles in the Patriots' three Super Bowl victories during this era: following the 2001 season, where the defense limited the high-octane offense to three points in a 20-17 upset win; after the 2003 season; and after the 2004 season. His contributions included key stops in playoff games against potent passing attacks, helping the Patriots advance through the postseason with a bend-but-don't-break defensive approach that prioritized run defense and coverage integrity. Renowned for his ferocious and physical tackling technique, Johnson exemplified the aggressive style that defined the Patriots' defenses under Belichick, often delivering high-impact hits that disrupted opposing ball carriers and contributed to the team's improved rankings in points allowed during championship runs. This hard-nosed approach, while effective in generating tackles for loss and forcing turnovers in critical moments, aligned with the era's emphasis on relentless pursuit across all three levels of the defense.

Career achievements and statistics

Over his 10-season career exclusively with the from 1995 to 2004, Ted Johnson recorded 757 total tackles (526 solo, 231 assisted), 11.5 sacks, 1 interception, 7 fumble recoveries, and 17 passes defended in 125 regular-season games, starting 108 of them. In the postseason, he contributed 62 tackles and 2.5 sacks across 14 games, including appearances in four Super Bowls. His peak performance came in 1997 with 127 combined tackles and 4 sacks, followed by 114 tackles in 1996.
CategoryRegular SeasonPostseasonCareer Total
Games Played12514139
Total Tackles75762819
Sacks11.52.514.0
Interceptions101
Johnson earned three championships with the Patriots (XXXVI in 2002, XXXVIII in 2004, and XXXIX in 2005), contributing to the team's defensive units that allowed an average of 17.6 points per game during those playoff runs. Though he received no selections, his reliability as an inside linebacker—averaging 6.1 tackles per game in regular-season starts—anchored a defense that facilitated the franchise's transition to sustained excellence, with posting a 78-47 record (.624 winning percentage) in games he appeared during his tenure. He was also named to the All-Rookie Team in 1995 after recording 51 tackles as a second-round draft pick.

Retirement and health challenges

Concussion history and forced retirement

During his ten-year career with the , Ted Johnson sustained multiple , including at least two within four days in August 2002: one during a preseason game against the on August 10, and another during a subsequent practice session. Four days after the game injury, which left him with his "bell rung," Johnson returned to practice where head coach directed teammates to deliver full-contact hits to him despite his ongoing symptoms, exacerbating the trauma. This incident highlighted the risks of repeated sub-concussive impacts inherent in football tackling, where linear and rotational forces from helmet-to-helmet or body collisions transfer to the , potentially disrupting neural function without immediate loss of consciousness. The cumulative effects of these and prior manifested in symptoms, including persistent headaches, memory lapses, irritability, disrupted sleep, and diminished cognitive clarity, which Johnson reported as intensifying by the 2003-2004 seasons. Independent neurological evaluation in 2005 confirmed these as classic indicators of repeated mild traumatic brain injuries, with empirical evidence from Johnson's history of dozens of documented and undocumented concussions over his career contributing to impaired recovery. Johnson announced his retirement on July 29, 2005, at age 32, after the Patriots' medical staff denied him clearance to play, citing the unacceptably high risk of further neurological damage from his . This decision followed consultations with team physicians and external experts who deemed his symptoms—such as chronic headaches and memory issues—persistent and incompatible with the demands of professional contact football, prioritizing empirical avoidance of additional brain trauma over potential career continuation.

Post-retirement mental health and substance issues

Following his retirement from the on August 2, 2005, Ted Johnson experienced a marked decline in , characterized by depression, irritability, and persistent headaches linked to post-concussion symptoms from repeated head trauma during his career. These challenges were exacerbated by the abrupt loss of the regimented structure provided by professional football, leaving him without the routines and social supports that had previously buffered his symptoms. Johnson developed a dependency on , which he began using around 2003 to maintain focus amid cognitive fog, and this escalated post-retirement into a broader pattern of , including to regulate mood swings and alleviate neurological fallout from on-field impacts. He has publicly admitted to these choices as attempts, rationalizing them at the time as temporary measures despite their role in deepening his isolation and contributing to his 2006 . Seeking recovery, Johnson entered rehabilitation programs and engaged in group therapy, where he confronted feelings of despair and worthlessness, finding particular relief in shared experiences with others facing similar voids. By late , he transitioned to non-addictive medications under medical supervision to address anxiety, headaches, and cognitive clarity, marking a turning point that stabilized his condition and reduced reliance on illicit substances. This timeline reflects a multi-year struggle in the mid-2000s, during which Johnson emphasized personal accountability for his substance decisions amid the unstructured post-career landscape.

CTE diagnosis and long-term effects

Johnson exhibits symptoms consistent with (CTE), a neurodegenerative condition linked to repetitive head trauma, including cognitive impairments, depression, emotional instability, and impulse control difficulties, though definitive diagnosis requires postmortem neuropathological examination of the brain. In neuroimaging assessments, including evaluations by pathologist and researchers, Johnson's brain showed accumulations and other markers suggestive of CTE pathology, such as perivascular splotches indicative of prior micro-hemorrhages from impacts. He has pledged to donate his brain to research upon death to enable confirmatory analysis, reflecting self-reported deficits in , judgment, and mood regulation persisting since his 2005 . Long-term effects include exacerbated addiction vulnerabilities and relational strains, with Johnson attributing relapses in substance use to trauma-induced neurological changes that heighten stress responses and diminish executive function. By 2025, he reports managing these through , practices, and structured recovery programs, enabling public speaking on resilience while acknowledging intermittent family impacts from mood volatility. Empirical tracking via clinical assessments shows partial stabilization, though full reversal of tau-related degeneration remains unachievable absent targeted interventions. CTE research faces inherent constraints, including postmortem ascertainment where brains studied derive disproportionately from donors with severe symptoms or suspicious deaths, skewing estimates upward and complicating causal attribution to football alone. NFL-supported longitudinal studies of former players reveal heterogeneous outcomes, with not all experiencing advanced neurodegeneration despite exposure histories, underscoring multifactorial influences like and over deterministic narratives. Johnson's case aligns with this variability, as symptom severity correlates with unreported subconcussive hits rather than diagnosed events alone, yet prospective diagnostics lag behind.

Advocacy work

Concussion awareness efforts

Johnson began advocating for greater awareness of risks and recovery strategies shortly after retiring, leveraging his experiences to inform public discourse on head trauma in football. Following his disclosure of cognitive impairments linked to repeated , he contributed to early efforts highlighting the need for improved player and monitoring. In October 2009, Johnson testified before a U.S. House Judiciary Committee hearing on "Legal Issues Relating to Football Head Injuries," detailing the progression of his symptoms and urging reforms in how leagues address subconcussive impacts and long-term neurological risks. His testimony aligned with a wave of player accounts that prompted the to establish a 24/7 concussion hotline for medical consultations, a direct response to documented cases of premature return-to-play. Johnson has sustained his outreach through targeted speaking engagements, emphasizing evidence-based paths to recovery from brain injuries and associated challenges. On September 30, 2025, he delivered a at Bunker Hill Community College's Compelling Conversations series, addressing resilience-building techniques grounded in personal and clinical recovery data. Days later, on October 9, 2025, he spoke at a University-affiliated "From Trauma to Thriving" forum hosted at WBUR City Space, focusing on empirical strategies for mitigating trauma effects through , , and adjustments. These presentations underscore his role in promoting proactive, data-informed approaches to post-injury thriving, distinct from institutional protocols.

Criticisms of NFL protocols and player safety

Johnson has criticized the for prioritizing financial interests and public image over player welfare, particularly in handling concussions and long-term brain health. In a 2025 speaking engagement at , he stated that "the only cares about what the fans want," asserting that league owners fear discussions of concussions and (CTE) primarily due to reputational damage rather than genuine concern for former players' outcomes. He argued this reluctance stems from the potential threat to profitability, as heightened awareness could deter participation or viewership in a reliant on high-impact collisions. A pivotal example Johnson cited involves his 2002 experience with the , where, following a diagnosed , head coach allegedly directed him into full-contact practice drills against the team's starting offense, worsening his symptoms and contributing to his cognitive decline. Johnson described this as emblematic of broader return-to-play pressures during his era (1995–2004), when sideline evaluations lacked independent medical oversight and teams incentivized rapid recovery to maintain roster depth amid grueling schedules. He has further highlighted the NFL's pre-2010s minimization of CTE risks, noting that upon his 2005 retirement, players received no formal education on or , allowing leagues and teams to understate long-term hazards while promoting the sport. In response, the established a comprehensive protocol post-2012, mandating sideline assessments by independent neurotrauma consultants, phased return-to-play guidelines spanning at least five days, and baseline cognitive testing for all players. The league also agreed to a $765 million settlement in 2013 with over 18,000 retired players for concussion-related claims, with payouts exceeding $800 million by 2021 for conditions including and Alzheimer's, alongside commitments to research and baseline exams. Recent innovations, such as Guardian Caps reducing preseason concussions by nearly 50% and rule changes penalizing helmet-lowering, contributed to a 17% drop in regular-season concussions in 2024 compared to prior years. Johnson's critiques underscore valid historical lapses in oversight and education, yet they must be contextualized against the inherent risks of —a where participants, as consenting adults, pursue substantial economic rewards averaging multimillion-dollar contracts per player amid league revenues surpassing $20 billion annually. While profit motives undeniably influence operations, post-settlement transparency and declining injury rates reflect adaptations balancing safety with the game's competitive essence, without eliminating player agency or the causal reality that repeated sub-concussive impacts remain unavoidable in elite-level execution.

Broadcasting and media career

Transition to radio and television

Following his retirement from the in August 2005, Ted Johnson entered as a football analyst for in , drawing on his decade-long experience as a Patriots linebacker to provide game insights. This initial foray into media allowed him to apply his familiarity with defensive schemes and player tendencies, transitioning from on-field execution to verbal breakdowns of strategies observed in footage. Johnson's adaptation involved intensive preparation to compensate for lingering post-concussion symptoms, including cognitive fog, , and memory issues that had persisted since his playing days and initially hindered sustained performance in high-stakes analysis. By focusing on detailed review of game tapes—leveraging his insider perspective on Patriots-era tactics—he developed a reputation for precise, evidence-based commentary rather than relying on real-time recall, enabling him to extend into radio formats across outlets shortly after. This groundwork in local television and radio positioned Johnson for broader opportunities, such as weekend co-hosting on CBS Sports Radio, where his emphasis on film study and causal breakdowns of plays distinguished his contributions amid the demands of national audiences. His approach mitigated early vulnerabilities from head trauma effects, fostering credibility through substantive, player-derived expertise rather than superficial punditry.

Notable shows and analysis roles

Johnson co-hosts The Breakdown on , a program dedicated to in-depth film analysis of games, where he dissects offensive and defensive schemes with a focus on player execution and tactical decisions. In a September 2025 episode, he broke down a critical play involving quarterback , highlighting how the Patriots' execution represented one of the rookie's standout moments through precise blocking and route concepts. His contributions emphasize granular breakdowns of defensive alignments, such as critiques of coverage lapses against receivers like in December 2024, attributing errors to schematic mismatches rather than individual failures. Since January 2025, Johnson has co-hosted WEEI Afternoons on from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET weekdays, alongside Andy Hart and Nick "Fitzy" Stevens, covering Patriots developments, trends, and local topics with analytical depth drawn from his playing experience. The show features segments like player interviews, including Johnson's June 2025 one-on-one with Patriots linebacker , which explored defensive adjustments and team dynamics without overt bias toward past eras. Johnson's radio style prioritizes evidence-based evaluations of schemes, such as 2025 discussions on the Patriots' defensive vulnerabilities against mobile quarterbacks, balancing praise for emerging talents with critiques of coaching decisions.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Johnson married Jacqueline "Jackie" Johnson, with whom he had two children: daughter (born circa 2004) and son Charlie (born circa 2005). The marriage ended in divorce in late 2006, amid relational strains linked to Johnson's behavioral changes following his retirement. In July 2006, Johnson and his wife were both arrested on assault-and-battery charges stemming from a domestic dispute at their , home; the charges were dropped in October after the couple declined to testify against each other. Post-divorce, Jackie Johnson retained custody of the children. Johnson has publicly stated that his concussive symptoms and issues precipitated the marriage's decline, contributing to erratic and instability in the mid-2000s. No further public details on subsequent relationships or current family dynamics have been disclosed.

Philanthropy and public speaking

Johnson supports philanthropic initiatives such as the Pekinese School, a program aiding educational opportunities for underserved youth in . He also serves as Wellness Ambassador for Maritime Mental Health, an organization operating six clinics dedicated to treatment and recovery support. In engagements, Johnson addresses themes of personal resilience and overcoming adversity through individual action and therapeutic intervention. On September 30, 2025, he launched Bunker Hill Community College's Compelling Conversations Speaker Series, titled "The Silent Curriculum," delivering insights on recovery from trauma and the value of community-based resources without relying on external blame. His presentations draw from empirical accounts of self-directed progress, highlighting therapy's role in addressing childhood hardships and as pathways to sustained . Johnson's motivational talks, including a March 21, 2025, address at a Peabody business expo, underscore therapy's practical benefits in combating personal struggles, framing success as a product of proactive choices rather than victim narratives. These events, often hosted by educational and wellness organizations, promote agency in management, supported by his lived experiences of disciplined recovery efforts.

References

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