Essex Johnson

Essex L. Johnson (born October 15, 1946 in Shreveport, Louisiana) is a former professional American football running back for eight seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals and one season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Essex was drafted in the 6th round (154th overall) of the 1968 Common Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Essex was drafted as a defensive back from Grambling, but was converted to halfback once in the NFL. He played for the Bengals from 1968 to 1975, and left as their career rushing leader. Selected by the Buccaneers in the 1976 NFL Expansion Draft, he was the expansion Bucs' third-leading rusher, with 166 yards on 47 carries, but was waived early in 1977.