University of Delaware Athletics
Hall of Fame
Dennis Johnson
- Induction:
- 2000
- Class:
- 1973
DENNIS L. JOHNSON
(1951-97)
Football (1969-72)
Regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in University of Delaware football history, Johnson enjoyed an All-American career at defensive tackle for the Blue Hens in 1970-72.
The inspirational leader for the Blue Hens under UD and National Football head coach Tubby Raymond, Johnson helped Delaware win consecutive Small College National titles in 1971-72 and three straight Lambert Cup trophies. During his career, Delaware compiled an overall mark of 28-5 and also won a Middle Atlantic Conference title in 1969 with a perfect 6-0 league record.
The 1972 team captain of an undefeated 10-0 squad, Johnson earned All-American honors twice and was named to Delaware’s All-Time team in 1989.
He collected 215 career tackles, one of the highest totals ever for a UD defensive lineman. In 33 career games, he helped the Blue Hens post six shutouts and hold opponents in single figures 13 times.
A 13th round draft pick by Washington in the 1973 National Football League draft, Johnson went on to play five seasons with the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills and was the first UD alum to start a game in the NFL. He played in 65 games in the NFL and also played a season in the Canadian Football League with Toronto in 1979-80.
A native of Passaic, N.J. and a 1973 Delaware graduate, he died in 1997 at the age of 46. He was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in 2006.
(1951-97)
Football (1969-72)
Regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in University of Delaware football history, Johnson enjoyed an All-American career at defensive tackle for the Blue Hens in 1970-72.
The inspirational leader for the Blue Hens under UD and National Football head coach Tubby Raymond, Johnson helped Delaware win consecutive Small College National titles in 1971-72 and three straight Lambert Cup trophies. During his career, Delaware compiled an overall mark of 28-5 and also won a Middle Atlantic Conference title in 1969 with a perfect 6-0 league record.
The 1972 team captain of an undefeated 10-0 squad, Johnson earned All-American honors twice and was named to Delaware’s All-Time team in 1989.
He collected 215 career tackles, one of the highest totals ever for a UD defensive lineman. In 33 career games, he helped the Blue Hens post six shutouts and hold opponents in single figures 13 times.
A 13th round draft pick by Washington in the 1973 National Football League draft, Johnson went on to play five seasons with the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills and was the first UD alum to start a game in the NFL. He played in 65 games in the NFL and also played a season in the Canadian Football League with Toronto in 1979-80.
A native of Passaic, N.J. and a 1973 Delaware graduate, he died in 1997 at the age of 46. He was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in 2006.
Delaware Football Postgame Press Conference - WKU 10/3/25
Saturday, October 04
Delaware Football Weekly Press Conference - Week 6
Wednesday, October 01
Field Hockey vs Ohio State
Monday, September 29
Field Hockey vs William & Mary
Friday, September 26
