Pete Johnson visited the Marion County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Center last week. Johnson played seven seasons with the Bengals from 1977-1983, including his lone Pro Bowl season in which he recorded 1,077 yards rushing with 12 touchdowns. Johnson ranks fourth all-time among Bengals rushing leaders with 5,421 yards rushing, and 420 points scored (fifth all-time). His 70 career touchdowns is a franchise record, as is his 64 rushing touchdowns, which is 16 more than second place Rudi Johnson. Johnson holds three of the top four single-season rushing touchdown performances (14, 14, 12) with Ickey Woods' 15 toping the list.
Another former Bengals running back, Jonathan Holifield is now the CEO of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland. Holifield's career was limited to 20 yards rushing on 11 attempts in one season (1989).
Marvin White spoke to kids at Sunset Elementary School in Sunset, Louisiana in mid-February as a guest speaker during the Black History Program.
"Listen to your teachers. They are here to help you. They only want what is best for you. Without an education you will not be able to get anywhere." He concluded, "Without my mom, the faith and support of my coaches, and teachers I could not be here today." Coach David Richard thanked him for his motivational words to the student body. White signed autographs after a question and answer session with middle school students.
Jason Shirley remembers Fresno State coach Dan Brown, a former defensive coordinator, who died Friday night.
"He was a father figure to a lot of guys," former Bulldogs defensive tackle Jason Shirley said. "He had a big circle of people who cared for him."
A Jon Kitna, Ken Zampese and Billy Monroe connection.