JOHNSON, Thomas 1964- (Pepper Johnson)

PERSONAL:

Born July 29, 1964, in Detroit, MI; son of Thomas Johnson (deceased) and Maxine Tinnon (a cleaning service worker); children: Dionte; Ethnicity: "Afro-American." Education: Ohio State University, 1985. Religion: Baptist. Hobbies and other interests: Basketball, golf, movies.

ADDRESSES:

Home—North Providence, RI. Agent—Marilyn Allen, 615 Westover Rd., Stamford, CT 06902. E-mail—pepj52@aol.com; jparke@rawpep-52.org.

CAREER:

New York Giants, linebacker, 1986-92; Cleveland Browns, linebacker, 1993-95; Detroit Lions, linebacker, 1996; New York Jets, linebacker, 1997-99; New England Patriots, inside linebacker coach, 2001—; author.

AWARDS, HONORS:

High School All American, All Decade (Michigan); College All-Big Ten, 1984, 1985; named Defensive MVP, 1984, 1985; named College All-American, 1985; Pro Bowl, 1990, 1994; named All-NFL, All-Madden, and New York Jets Team MVP, 1990; Ed Block Courage Award, 1998; named to Ohio State All-Century Team, 2000; inducted into Ohio State Athletic Hall of Fame, 2001.

WRITINGS:

(With Bill Gutman) Won for All: The Inside Story of the New England Patriots' Improbable Run to the Super Bowl, Contemporary Books (Chicago, IL), 2003.

SIDELIGHTS:

Thomas "Pepper" Johnson, who received his nickname as a young boy because he put pepper on everything he ate, received many top awards in his college and professional football career. He also played in two Super Bowls and has been inducted into his college alma mater's Athletic Hall of Fame. When he was not playing football, he found the time to create a multi-services organization for youths in Detroit and remains active in other charitable organizations. In 2000, after retiring as a football player, Johnson began his coaching career with the New England Patriots and was with the team when it made its way from last place in the National Football League to Super Bowl winners in 2001. The story of that remarkable victory is told in his book Won for All: The Inside Story of the New England Patriots' Improbable Run to the Super Bowl.

In this book, cowritten with Bill Gutman, Johnson takes readers behind the scenes with a surprising team. The Patriots, with their dismal beginnings of an 0-4 record, gathered very little fanfare in the early part of the season. But then the team suddenly caught on fire and fought their way to a final 11-5 winning season, good enough to land them in Super Bowl XXXVI. Even then, however, no one expected them to win.

Called one of the most exciting Super Bowl games in history, the battle between the Patriots and the St. Louis Rams surprised everyone. The Super Bowl game was close all the way, and in the last few minutes it was tied. But with just seconds remaining on the clock, the Patriots' Adam Vinatieri kicked a game-winning field goal.

The book, according to a writer for Publishers Weekly, "gives a first-rate account of the Patriots' transformation." Reviewers considered the book frank and honest, noting that Johnson does not shy away from dealing with unflattering material. He includes stories about how some players caused problems for the team. He also relates inspirational tales that helped the team pull together and create the Cinderella ending of one very unforgettable football season.

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Publishers Weekly, October 28, 2002, review of Won for All: The Inside Story of the New England Patriots' Improbably Run to the Super Bowl, p. 64.