Bob Johnson anchored the offensive line with a dominant presence that made him the cornerstone of a brand-new professional franchise.
Football Bio
August 19, 1946 – Bob Johnson, a center from the University of Tennessee, was born.
The College Football Hall of Fame inducted Bob in 1989. [NFF]
He was voted an All-American in both 1966 and 67 for the Vols, and he was also an academic All-American in 1967.
Johnson went on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals in both the AFL and the NFL, and he was the second overall pick in the 1967 AFL Draft.
At the time of this writing, his number 54 jersey is the only Bengal number that has been retired.
Conclusion
Bob Johnson represents the ultimate gold standard for leadership and reliability in the trenches. By setting the tone as the first player ever drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, he cemented a professional legacy that completely mirrors his incredible collegiate success at Tennessee. Today, his permanently retired number 54 ensures that generations of football fans remember his unmatched impact on the game.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1989.
- NFL/AFL Draft History: 2nd overall pick in the 1968 Draft (First ever draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals). (Note: While the original text mentions 1967, official draft records list his selection in the 1968 joint draft).
- Retired Number: His #54 is the only number officially retired by the Cincinnati Bengals franchise.
- 2× All-American: 1966, 1967.
- Academic All-American: 1967.
- AFL All-Star: 1968.
- SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy: 1967.
FAQ:
Who was the first draft pick in Cincinnati Bengals history?
Answer: Bob Johnson, Tennessee
