Charley Johnson (1938-2024) Find a Grave Memorial

Charley Johnson (1938-2024) Find a Grave Memorial,

Charley Johnson Find a Grave, Charley Johnson obituary, Charley Johnson Death and Burial Details, Charley Johnson dies at age 85.

Charley Johnson

Charley Johnson Find a Grave

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Charley Johnson obituary

Obituary: Charley Lane Johnson (1938–2024)

Charley Lane Johnson, a distinguished quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) and a respected chemical engineering professor, passed away on September 3, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on November 22, 1938, in Big Spring, Texas, Johnson’s impressive football career spanned 15 years with the St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Oilers, and Denver Broncos. Known for his leadership and skill, he earned a Pro Bowl selection and set several league records.

Following his retirement from football, Johnson pursued advanced studies, earning master’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering. He enjoyed a successful career in academia, including a tenure as head of the chemical engineering department at New Mexico State University, and served as an interim head coach for the university’s football team. Johnson’s legacy is marked by his achievements both on the field and in the classroom. He will be remembered for his contributions to sports and education.

Charley Johnson Cause of Death

The cause of Charley Lane Johnson’s death has not been publicly disclosed.

Charley Johnson: From NFL Star to Engineering Pioneer

Charley Johnson Early Life and College Career

A Promising Start

Charley Lane Johnson, born November 22, 1938, in Big Spring, Texas, initially aimed to play football at Schreiner Institute. However, with the school’s football program dropping, he transferred to New Mexico State University, where he secured a basketball scholarship but walked on to the football team.

College Achievements

At New Mexico State, Johnson stood out as a unique talent, earning the Most Valuable Player title of the Sun Bowl in consecutive years, 1959 and 1960. He is celebrated as a member of the NMSU Sports Hall of Fame (1970) and was the first player to have his jersey number (33) retired by the program.

Charley Johnson Professional Football Career

NFL Beginnings

Drafted late by both the AFL’s San Diego Chargers and NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals, Johnson chose to join the Cardinals. Despite a modest start with just 13 attempts in his rookie season, he quickly became the team’s primary quarterback.

Notable Performances

Johnson’s career peaked with a Pro Bowl selection in 1963, highlighted by career-best statistics of 3,280 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. He also led the league in completions, attempts, and passing yards in 1964 and showcased his clutch abilities with league-leading fourth-quarter comebacks in 1966.

Final Years

Johnson’s career continued with the Houston Oilers and Denver Broncos. His final NFL season in 1974 saw him lead the league in yards per attempt. He retired in 1975 with impressive career stats and is honored as a member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.

Charley Johnson Post-Football Career and Legacy

Academic and Military Pursuits

Johnson, who majored in chemical engineering at NMSU, achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA for his bachelor’s degree. He earned master’s and doctoral degrees from Washington University in St. Louis while playing in the NFL. Johnson served in the U.S. Army Reserve, working with NASA.

Engineering Career

After retiring from football and military service, Johnson founded Johnson Compression Services in Houston and worked as a consultant. He later returned to academia as head of NMSU’s chemical engineering department and as a professor until his retirement in 2012.

Final Years and Passing

Johnson’s later years included a brief stint as interim head coach for NMSU’s football team. He passed away on September 3, 2024, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of excellence both on the field and in the academic world.

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Charley Johnson (1938-2024) Find a Grave Memorial

FAQs about Charley Lane Johnson

Q: What were Charley Lane Johnson’s major accomplishments in college football?

A: Charley Lane Johnson was a standout player for New Mexico State University, where he became the only player to be named Most Valuable Player of the Sun Bowl in consecutive years (1959 and 1960). He was inducted into the NMSU Sports Hall of Fame in 1970 and was the first player to have his jersey number (33) retired by the program.

Q: Which NFL teams did Charley Lane Johnson play for?

A: Johnson played for three NFL teams: the St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Oilers, and Denver Broncos. He had a notable career, including a Pro Bowl selection in 1963 and leading the league in several categories during his time.

Q: What notable achievements did Johnson have during his NFL career?

A: Johnson was named to the Pro Bowl in 1963 after a standout season. He led the NFL in completions, attempts, passing yards, and interceptions in 1964, and was known for his impressive fourth-quarter comebacks, leading the league in that category in 1966 and 1968.

Q: What did Charley Lane Johnson do after retiring from football?

A: After retiring from football, Johnson pursued further education, earning his master’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering. He worked in industry, founded Johnson Compression Services, and later returned to academia as the head of New Mexico State’s chemical engineering department before retiring in 2012.

Q: Did Charley Lane Johnson have any military service?

A: Yes, Johnson served in the U.S. Army Reserve and worked with NASA. He was a second lieutenant and used his graduate studies to delay his commission until 1967, when he was called into active duty.

Q: When and where did Charley Lane Johnson pass away?

A: Charley Lane Johnson passed away on September 3, 2024, at the age of 85.

Q: What was Johnson’s legacy in the NFL and academia?

A: Johnson’s legacy includes his successful NFL career, highlighted by his Pro Bowl appearance and leadership in passing statistics. In academia, he is remembered for his contributions as a professor and department head in chemical engineering, impacting both fields significantly.

Q: When and where was Charley Lane Johnson born?

A: Charley Lane Johnson was born on November 22, 1938, in Big Spring, Texas.

Q: What position did Charley Lane Johnson play in the NFL?

A: Johnson played as a quarterback in the NFL.

Q: How long did Charley Lane Johnson play in the NFL?

A: Johnson played in the NFL for 15 years.

Q: What was Charley Lane Johnson’s college major?

A: Johnson majored in chemical engineering at New Mexico State University.

Q: Did Charley Lane Johnson receive any special honors or awards during his NFL career?

A: Yes, Johnson was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1963 and was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated twice.

Q: What was Johnson’s role in the New Mexico State football program after his playing career?

A: Johnson served briefly as the interim head coach of the New Mexico State football team in 2009 and later returned as a professor in the chemical engineering department.

Q: How many career touchdown passes did Charley Lane Johnson throw?

A: Johnson threw 170 career touchdown passes.

Q: What were some of Charley Lane Johnson’s notable records?

A: Johnson set a franchise record for the Denver Broncos with a 16.45 yards per attempt in a single game, a record that still stands as of 2017.

Q: What did Charley Lane Johnson do before his football career?

A: Before his professional football career, Johnson was a standout athlete in college football and basketball and was part of NMSU’s Army ROTC program.

Charley Johnson (1938-2024) Find a Grave Memorial