Will Johnson (American football)

William Christopher Johnson is a first-year starter, playing Fullback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League. After college graduation in 2011, Johnson sat out an entire year prior to being granted permission to participate in WVU’s 2012 Pro Day. He was signed by the Steelers Organization as an undrafted free agent in March of 2012, after his second consecutive Pro Day appearance.

Johnson is a 2007 graduate of Centerville High School. He was a two year starter at running back for the Elks, earning a team record of 20-1 his junior and senior season under head coach, Ron Ullery. Johnson’s honors include receiving the 2007 Sonny Unger Award, 1st Team All Conference, Honorable Mention All State and being named to the 2007 Big 33 team.

In 2007, Johnson committed to West Virginia University after being highly recruited by Rich Rodriguez, then, Head Coach of the WVU Mountaineers. Prior to committing, Johnson received several full-scholarship offers from Michigan State, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Ohio University, Marshall and Eastern Michigan.

While at WVU, Johnson transitioned from a wide receiver into an explosive H-Back. He received many honors to include Offensive Champion, “Ideal Mountaineer”, as well as being voted Senior Team Captain.

Concluding the 2011 NCAA Champs Sports Bowl, Johnson was not invited to attend the NFL Combine, and ultimately, went undrafted. In the following year, Johnson worked while continuing to train for an opportunity to play in the NFL. Johnson’s involvement in Crossfit, in conjunction with his outstanding work ethic, determination and drive, enabled him to thrive in front of several NFL personnel, including Head Coach, Mike Tomlin and General Manager, Kevin Colbert at the 2012 WVU Pro Day workout.

After being named to the 2012 mid-season all -rookie team, scoring his  first NFL career touchdown  in a 27-12 win over the  Washington Redskins and  earning a nomination for the 2012 Pro -Bowl, Johnson  looks to expand his impact on and off of the field in years to come.

Off of the field, Johnson enjoys working out, traveling and painting.