Chris Johnson (cornerback)

Christopher Mario Johnson (born September 25, 1979) is an American football cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville. Johnson played for the Packers for two seasons, the St. Louis Rams in 2005, and the Oakland Raiders for five seasons from 2007 to 2011.

Early life and collegiate career
Johnson was born in Gladewater, Texas. At Pine Tree High School, Johnson started in the football team for three years; during his senior season, he intercepted 12 passes and helped the team reach a 7-3 record. Johnson attended Blinn College in Brenham, Texas and transferred to the University of Louisville, where he was a letterwinner for two years and majored in administration of justice. At Louisville, Johnson had 44 total tackles (32 solo), one tackle for a loss, and seven defended passes. In the 2002 Liberty Bowl, his first-ever major bowl game, Johnson started and intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter to seal the Louisville Cardinals victory over the BYU Cougars 28-10.

Green Bay Packers
Johnson was drafted in the seventh round (245th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.

St. Louis Rams
Johnson was traded to the St. Louis Rams in exchange for linebacker Robert Thomas during the 2005 NFL season. He played in 14 games, starting one and recorded 24 tackles (23 solo). He also had 38 kickoff returns for 857 yards (22.6 avg.) and a 99-yard touchdown return.

Kansas City Chiefs
Johnson signed with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2006 off-season but was released before that season.

Oakland Raiders
On March 19, 2007, he signed with the Raiders. He played in 13 games at cornerback and special teams, contributing 10 special teams tackles and one solo tackle, two assists and two passes defensed at cornerback. In 2008, after six seasons in the NFL, Johnson recorded his first interception in a game against the San Diego Chargers, picking off quarterback Philip Rivers while covering wideout Buster Davis. Johnson was named a starter after the Raiders waived cornerback DeAngelo Hall. He recorded his second career interception when he picked off Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Tyler Thigpen.

In 2009, he signed a 4 year, $11.3 million contract with the Oakland Raiders. He was released following the 2011 season on March 9, 2012.

Baltimore Ravens
On November 13, 2012, Johnson signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a backup. The Ravens had already received injuries to corners Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith earlier in the year. He also won his first Super Bowl that year.