Now a coach, Leon Johnson and parents reflect on football career

Posted Feb 24, 2012
From his time as a Freedom High four-sport standout, to being drafted as a teenager by the San Francisco Giants, to playing a key part in some of UNC’s glory years on the gridiron and lining up for coach Bill Parcells with the New York Jets as part of an eight-year NFL career, Leon Johnson made a lasting impression on everyone in Burke County who calls themselves a sports fan. (Morganton News Herald)

Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL

Newsletter: UNC Basketball Coaching Search Coming Into Focus, Portal Losses Begin
The UNC Basketball coaching search is coming into focus now that Tommy Lloyd and Dusty May have committed to remain with their programs. Transfer portal...
Mon Apr 6, 2026

Dyami Brown is back with Commanders and 'better than ever'
In a way, Dyami Brown needed to have a year of experiencing something new with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brown missed playing for the Commanders, though,...
Sun Apr 5, 2026

Wide receiver Jordan Shipp adjusting to third offensive coordinator at UNC
For UNC wide receiver Jordan Shipp, the last three seasons have been defined by constant change. He entered the program under offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey,...
Sat Apr 4, 2026

Development for Young Tar Heels Goes Beyond 15 Spring Football Practices
Though 59 of the 114 Tar Heels on North Carolina's football roster this spring are true or redshirt freshmen, it's still Bill Belichick and his...
Fri Apr 3, 2026