Pepper Johnson

Linebacker 1982-85

Thomas “Pepper” Johnson played for the Buckeyes between 1982 and 1985, earning All-America honors as a senior. During his career, he was credited with 379 tackles, good for fourth place on the all-time OSU list. In the 1984 and ’85 seasons, Johnson led the squad in tackles and teamed with Chris Spielman to give the Buckeyes one of the most formidable linebacking tandems in college football. A born leader, Johnson was elected team captain and voted defensive MVP in both his junior and senior seasons. He also was named All-Big Ten in both of those years. He was a member of two Super Bowl championship teams with the New York Giants. Johnson was named to the Pro Bowl twice in his career and built a reputation as one of the most feared hitters in professional football.