Oddity—Both of the Rams' John Johnsons Signed With the Rams Twice

 By John Turney 

Johnnie Johnson (L) and John Johnson III (R)

In 1980 The Rams drafted safety Johnnie Johnson and in 1989 re-signed him for the playoffs run after being released by the Seattle Seahawks, the team he'd signed with in Plan B free agency.

Today they signed John Johnson III after losing him to free agency to the Cleveland Browns in 2021. Johnson III was a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Both were rookie starters at strong safety and played very well. Johnson was a consensus All-Rookie selection and Johnson III made ESPN's All-Rookie team selected by Mel Kiper, Jr.

Though technically not the same name—Johnnie versus John but close enough for rock and roll. 

However, Rams fans are hoping the recent Johnson signing will work out better than the last, or at least last longer. In 1989 Johnson was 33 and was only signed because of injuries in the Rams' secondary. 

Johnson III is being signed to be a leader among a young group of safeties and is hoped, anyway, to bring stability and leadership to the defense. He certainly brings experience.

Career stats—