Johnson was born on June 6, 1879 in Edgerton, Wisconsin.[1]
Johnson, one-half Stockbridge Indian, attended Carlisle Indian Industrial School from 1899 to 1903, where he starred on the Carlisle football team.[1][2] Coached by Pop Warner, the team was composed entirely of American Indian students and was a true national powerhouse in the early 20th century.[3] In 1903, Walter Camp named Johnson as the All-American quarterback.[1] Johnson also served as Carlisle's team captain in the same season.[1] Following his career at Carlisle, Johnson enrolled in Northwestern's Dental School and played on the football team during the 1904 and 1905 seasons, also becoming a team captain for Northwestern and leading the team to success despite a depleted roster.[1] Following his playing career, Johnson became a dental surgeon in San Juan, Puerto Rico.[1] He died at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in 1942.[4]
