Tyrell Johnson (American football)

Marcellous "Tyrell" Johnson (born May 19, 1985) is an American football safety for the Detroit Lions. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas State.

Johnson has also been a member of the Miami Dolphins.

Early years
Johnson played high school football at Rison High School in Rison, Arkansas, competing at both running back and defensive back. As a senior in 2002 he earned All-State and All-Conference honors despite playing with a high ankle sprain. He also helped his team finish with a perfect regular-season record and win the 8AA Conference title. As a sophomore in 2000 he had helped Rison High School win the state football championship with a victory over Shiloh Christian which was coached by Gus Malzahn. Johnson finished his career with three interceptions, 2,725 rushing yards, and 49 touchdowns. He also ran track and played basketball, starting on his high school's state playoff basketball team in 2000.

College career
Johnson played college football at Arkansas State. After being redshirted during his freshman year in 2003, he became a starter in 2004 and never lost his job. During his freshman season he earned Freshman All-American and second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. During his sophomore year he led the team in tackles with 112 and earned All-Sun Belt Conference first-team recognition. During his junior year in 2006 he earned first-team All-Sun Belt Conference for the second straight year after recording 63 tackles and an interception. His best season came in 2007 as he earned third-team All-American, first-team All-Sun Belt Conference and was the leagues Defensive Player of the Year after recording 94 tackles and six interceptions.

He finished his career playing in 46 games, starting all of them, with a Sun Belt Conference record 363 tackles, 13 interceptions, and four forced fumbles. He also holds the conferences records for interception return yards in a season with 142 in 2007 and tackles in a game with 25 in 2005.

Minnesota Vikings
When Johnson was available in the second round, the Vikings gave up their fourth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles and got their fifth-round pick for the rights to move up from the 47th overall pick to 43rd overall pick in the second round.

On October 6, 2008, Johnson made his first career interception against New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. He finished his rookie season starting 7 of 16 games, recording 31 tackles and an interception.

The next season, he became the starter at the strong safety position. Johnson started and played in 15 games where he recorded 57 tackles and another interception. This interception was made in the end zone against the St. Louis Rams who were on the Vikings 9 yard line before Johnson killed their long drive.

Johnson's 2011 season was cut short, as he was placed on injured reserve on November 29, 2011.

Miami Dolphins
Johnson signed with the Miami Dolphins on April 5, 2012. He was released during the preseason on August 25, 2012.

Personal
Johnson's father, Alvin Robertson, played 10 years in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors His mother, Patricia, ran track for the University of Arkansas.