Dirk Johnson

Dirk Johnson (born June 1, 1975 in Hoxie, Kansas) is an American football punter for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1998. He played college football at Northern Colorado.

Johnson has also been a member of the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears.

College career

He played college football as a punter and defensive back at the University of Northern Colorado. While there he was a three-time All American selection (as a punter in 1995, as a defensive back and punter in 1996 and as a defensive back in 1997). He helped lead the UNC Bears to two NCAA Division II national championships ('96 and '97). Johnson finished his college career ranked 2nd on the school's all-time list with a 40.8-yard career punting average. He was first-team All-North Central Conference at safety in 1997 and at punter in 1995 and 1996.

Professional career

He was signed as a rookie free agent by the Seattle Seahawks in 1998, was dropped and left as a free agent for 4 years. During that time he made a living as a caddy for a golf course, and many other odd jobs until, in 2003, he was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent. During his 4 years with the Eagles he had an average of 41.7 yards per kick and played in the 2004 Super Bowl. He was assigned the role of placeholder after the drop of Koy Detmer and addition of Jeff Garcia.

In 2002 he played one game with the New Orleans Saints. In the spring of that same year he played one season with the NFL Europe team, the Rhein Fire.

The Chicago Bears signed Johnson on September 16, 2007 to temporarily replace veteran punter Brad Maynard, who sustained a minor injury in the previous week. Ironically, after 4 punts with a 49.8 yard average and 60 yard long punt, Johnson also sustained an injury, and was replaced by place kicker Robbie Gould.

On September 24, 2007 the Bears released him.

External links

• Arizona Cardinals bio