Tyrell Johnson
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Career Summary
Tyrell Johnson was an Arkansas State safety who played five NFL seasons with Minnesota and Detroit.
Johnson was a four-year starter at Arkansas State before the Vikings selected him in the 2008 NFL Draft. He later played for Minnesota and Detroit.
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Early Life
Johnson is from Rison, Arkansas.
NFL player information lists Johnson's hometown as Rison, Arkansas.
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High School
Johnson attended Rison High School in Arkansas.
Arkansas State listed Rison as Johnson's high school and hometown. His high-school record included 2,725 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns, and he played on Rison's 2000 Class AA state championship team.
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College Career
Johnson finished as the Sun Belt's career tackles leader with 363 and recorded 13 interceptions at Arkansas State.
Johnson was a four-year starter at Arkansas State and finished with 363 tackles, the Sun Belt Conference career record at the time. He also set the conference record for interception-return yards with 309 and made 13 career interceptions.
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Path to the NFL
The Vikings selected Johnson in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft, 43rd overall.
Minnesota selected Johnson with the 43rd overall pick, the 12th selection in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
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NFL Career
Johnson played 53 NFL games and recorded 109 tackles, 10 passes defended and two interceptions.
NFL statistics credit Johnson with 109 tackles, 10 passes defended and two interceptions over 53 regular-season games. He played for the Vikings from 2008 through 2011 and appeared with Detroit in 2012.
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Career Accomplishments
Johnson was the 2007 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time all-conference selection.
Arkansas State named Johnson the 2007 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. He was a four-time all-conference selection and appeared on the 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list.
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Playing Style
Johnson was a productive safety whose college profile combined tackling with turnover production.
Johnson's Arkansas State career paired a conference-record 363 tackles with 13 interceptions and 309 interception-return yards. As a redshirt freshman, he led the team with four interceptions and added a 55-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
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Legacy
Johnson was one of Arkansas State's highest NFL draft selections and an enduring Sun Belt statistical leader.
Johnson was the 43rd overall pick in 2008, then Arkansas State's third-highest NFL draft pick. His 363 tackles and 309 interception-return yards established Sun Belt career marks cited by the school.
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Sources for this section
21968, 00-0026183, 1985-05-19, Tyrell Johnson, Marcellous, Johnson
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