Regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in University of Delaware football history, Johnson enjoyed an All-America career at defensive tackle for the Blue Hens in 1970-72. Johnson helped
Delaware win consecutive Small College national titles in 1971 and 1972 and three straight Lambert Cup trophies. As 1972 team captain of an undefeated 10-0 squad, Johnson earned All-America honors
twice, was named All ECAC, played in two Boardwalk Bowls and was named to Delaware’s All-Time team in 1989. He collected 215 career tackles at Delaware and played in the East-West Shrine Game. A 13th
round draft pick by the Washington Redskins in 1973, Johnson was the first University of Delaware alumnus to start a game in the NFL. He replaced Verlon Biggs at defensive tackle for the Redskins in
1975. In his best season in 1976, Dennis recovered three fumbles, had 4 1/2 sacks and had a key interception to preserve a win against Dallas. He also returned an interception 57 yards the previous
season. Dubbed by Howard Cosell as “the young Dennis Johnson” during his five NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills, Johnson died in 1997 at the age of 46.