Hall of Fame

Gary "Big Hands" Johnson

  • Class
  • Induction
    1997
  • Sport(s)
    Football
  • Grambling State
Early Life & College
  • Born August 31, 1952, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
  • Attended Mitchell High School in Bossier City, Louisiana.
  • Played college football at Grambling State University from 1971–1974 as a defensive tackle.
  • During his four years at Grambling, the team compiled an impressive record (41-6).
  • In his senior year (1974) he registered 134 tackles (89 unassisted) and was named team MVP.
  • He was a three-time All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) selection and a multiple-time All-America at the NAIA/College Division/HBCU level.
Professional Career
  • He was selected in the 1st round of the 1975 NFL Draft, 8th overall, by the San Diego Chargers.
  • He played 11 seasons professionally (with the Chargers and later the San Francisco 49ers).
  • Highlights include:
    • Four Pro Bowl selections (1979–1982).
    • Led the NFL in sacks in 1980 with 17½ (a record for the Chargers franchise).
    • He was part of the 49ers’ Super Bowl XIX championship team.