Former Troy Trojan killed in motorcycle accident

Former Troy Trojan wide receiver John Johnson passed away on Thursday, Dec. 26, in Jacksonville, Fla. after suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident.

Johnson was a member of legendary Troy coach Larry Blakeney’s final recruiting class after a stellar career at Charles Henderson High School.

Johnson recorded 949 yards and four touchdowns receiving in his time at Troy and was a leader on the 2016 and 2017 Trojan teams on the field, but he was also a staple in the community having volunteered for Read Across America, Pike County Heart Walk, multiple Salvation Army food drives and Habitat for Humanity during his Troy career.

Johnson was nominated for both the Wuerffel Trophy and AllState Good Works Team as a senior along with being named to the Sun Belt’s Leadership Team. The Leadership Team was a group of student-athletes that “exemplified the highest qualities of being a true-student athlete.”

“It tears you up to hear this kind of news,” former Troy coach Larry Blakeney said in a statement. “John was a great kid, very giving of his time and just a bona fide young man.

“We had the pleasure of recruiting him out of Charles Henderson, and he was by far the best player we had the chance to sign from across the street.”

Blakeney pointed to Johnson’s life off the field as even more impressive than his abilities on it.

“On the field, he stepped right in as a true freshman and contributed to our football team,” he continued. “Off the field, he was mature beyond his years. (My wife) and I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to John’s family, friends and teammates.”

Former Trojan coach Neal Brown echoed Blakeney’s feelings on Johnson.

“I was devastated to learn of the passing of John Johnson yesterday,” Brown said. “John was a great representative of his hometown of Troy, the Troy football program and Troy University.

“On the field, I will always remember John’s knack for trick plays and his strong performance in his last game in the 2017 New Orleans Bowl. More importantly, I will remember John’s big smile, how he loved children and how he led our football team in community service for three years in a row.”