The Cincinnati Bengals All-Johnson Team

It's a well-known fact that the Cincinnati Bengals have had a lot of Johnsons over the years. There's been as many as five (maybe six) Johnsons on the roster at one time over the course of previous ten years. While having a little fun with names, we thought we'd chart the Bengals All-Johnson team; nearly enough Johnsons to actually field a team full of Johnsons. We only included Bengals that played at least one regular season or playoff game, or were on the 53-man roster for at least four games (even as an inactive).

Head Coach Bill Johnson ('76-78): Prior to promoted as the team's head coach, Bill "Tiger" Johnson was the offensive line coach for Paul Brown since 1968. When Paul Brown finally retired from the sidelines after the 1975 team, he overlooked Bill Walsh and promoted Johnson instead. After going 10-4 and 8-6 in 1976 and '77 respectively, Johnson resigned after the Bengals started 0-5 in 1978.

QB: Doug Johson ('06). Never actually played a down for the Bengals as a third-string quarterback, sitting behind backup Anthony Wright on the 2006 roster. Johnson was named one of the most annoying players in the NFL.

RB/FB: Pete Johnson ('77-83). When Pete Johnson and his oversized shoulder-pads was behind the line of scrimmage in a three-point stance, he was going to have a significant impact one way or another. Either as a great blocker, or an excellent runner. Johnson posted 64 career touchdown runs (first all-time for the Bengals) and 5,421 yards rushing (fourth all-time).

RB: Rudi Johnson ('01-07): Rudi benefited being on an offense that excelled in the passing game, taking significant leads early in the game that allowed Rudi to eat yards to kill the clock. That being said, he was still one of the best running backs in franchise history, rushing for 5,742 yards (third all-time) and scoring 48 rushing touchdowns (second all-time).

RB/PR: Essex Johnson ('68-75). Essex wasn't always a starter, but he actually left Cincinnati as the team's all-time rushing leader in 1975. Essex was also an excellent role player that played significantly on special teams. His 4.5 yard/rush average as a running back still ranks fifth in franchise history and his 86-yard touchdown against the Cleveland Browns on December 5, 1971 remains the third longest rush in franchise history.

RB: Bill Johnson ('85-87): Drafted in the second-round during the 1985 NFL Supplement Draft of USFL players, the Bengals grabbed Johnson after the United States Football League folded. He generated 475 yards rushing in three seasons with Cincinnati.

RB: James Johnson ('08): The Bengals signed James Johnson as a college free agent out of Kansas State. Played four games in 2008 (29 yards rushing, 47 yards receiving) and went to the practice squad in 2009. Rejoined the Bengals in 2010 during training camp, but was released during final cuts.

FB: Jeremi Johnson ('03-09). Arguably one of the league's top lead blockers during that portion of the Carson Palmer era that was actually good. Jeremi also contributed with 61 career receptions and six receiving touchdowns.

WR: Chad Johnson ('01-10). Chad owns every major receiving record in franchise history. From receptions (751), yards receiving (10,783) and receiving touchdowns (66), Chad has certainly left his mark. Unfortunately things have declined for Chad since being traded out of Cincinnati. But there will come a day when the team and fans recognize his contributions.

OT: Donnell Johnson ('93): Played seven games with the Bengals that year, his only in the NFL. Backup offensive linemen that played special teams.

C: Bob Johnson ('68-79). Though not the first player ever added to the Cincinnati Bengals roster, Bob earned the distintction of being the first all-time draft pick for the Bengals and the nickname, The Original Bengal. Also the only player in Bengals history to have his uniform number retired.

DT: Tank Johnson ('09-10). Enjoyed a brief second-wind in the NFL with the Bengals in 2009, earning a four-year deal in 2010 which lasted all of one year, thanks to the rise of Geno Atkins.

DT: Tim Johnson ('96): A former sixth-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tim Johnson played 13 games for the Bengals in 1996, generating 2.5 quarterback sacks and 41 tackles during his only season in Cincinnati.

DT: Walter Johnson ('77): Walter Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowler, selected by the Cleveland Browns during the 1965 NFL draft. After a 12-year career in Cleveland, Johnson played his final season in Cincinnati, his home town.

DE: Michael Johnson ('09-Current): Posted 11.5 quarterback sacks in 2012, which now ranks as the fifth-most during a single season in franchise history.

DE: Ken Johnson ('71-77): We wrote an extensive piece on Ken Johnson two years ago.

LB: Brandon Johnson ('08-11). One of the team's best special teams players during his time in Cincinnati, Johnson was also an invaluable linebacker that could play all three positions in a pinch.

LB: Landon Johnson ('04-07). Held the tackle crown in three of the four years he played in Cincinnati, including 125 during his final season in 2007. Johnson's career eventually disappeared in Detroit.

LB: John Johnson ('94): Played five seasons in the NFL, one with the Bengals. After starting 13 games with the San Francisco 49ers in 1993, the Bengals signed him the following season. He'd only play five games in Cincinnati and retired after the following season.

LB: Riall Johnson ('01-03): A former sixth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2001 NFL draft, Johnson spent three seasons with the Bengals as a special teamer, accumlating 30 tackles in 32 games played.

S: Mark Johnson ('87). Played only three games in the NFL, all with Cincinnati, generating no statistics.

DB: Jim Johnson ('69). Played 11 games in 1969 with the Bengals in 1969; the only season he's play in the NFL.

P-K: Lee Johnson ('88-98): Third all-time in career punting average with 43.2 yards per kick. Johnson's name is virtually in every top-five punting statistic in franchise history.