RIP #40 - Ron Johnson

Submitted by LB on November 10th, 2018 at 3:35 PM

My introduction to Michigan and Michigan Football took place on November 16, 1968 - the day RoJo set the single game rushing record that stands to this day.

Thank you Ron.

Hoek

November 10th, 2018 at 3:40 PM ^

mentioned this in the noon game thread, but I’ll say it again here.. RIP Ron I never saw him play live, but have seen countless videos. He was amazing! 

Bando Calrissian

November 10th, 2018 at 9:45 PM ^

Which is, what, like a minute of coach's film highlights. 

The point is Bo getting here the year after Johnson graduated, in combination with there being basically no film of Johnson playing, is why many Michigan fans basically forgot about one of the greatest players in program history. Even before he faded from public life because of his Alzheimer's diagnosis. It's terribly sad.

mGrowOld

November 10th, 2018 at 3:44 PM ^

I had the honor of sitting at the same table with Ron, George Lilja, Desmond, Elvis and a couple of other players from Ohio back in 2001 when Lloyd spoke at an Ohio All Academic football banquet.  He was so friendly and nice and we talked a lot (he was sitting next to me) about life, careers and family.  If memory serves he was in the insurance business at that time.

RIP Ron.  True Michigan man.  

rob f

November 10th, 2018 at 4:39 PM ^

Never saw Ron Johnson in person and only a very few times on TV, but what an electrifying runner he was! 

RIP to one of the greatest halfbacks to ever carry the ball for the Maize and Blue.

chatster

November 10th, 2018 at 10:03 PM ^

Condolences to his family and friends. Fifty years ago, on November 16, 1968, Ron Johnson ran for 347 yards and five touchdowns in a 34-9 win over Wisconsin. LINK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0Tgm0_C3yk

Zeke21

November 11th, 2018 at 1:09 PM ^

Saw RJ in 68 and then w the Giants.

A great runner and the first of many M runners that the Giants took.

This cat could go, We will miss him.   RIP