Anyway, I'm not sure if Ron Johnson, a Steelers starting defensive back at the time, was there as part of a program (like "Meet Pittsburgh Steeler Ron Johnson") or if he was just hanging out in the park, but a crowd gathered around him. As a child aged somewhere between 5 and 8 (again, I have no idea when this took place), I was small and cute enough to sneak to the front. The following conversation took place when I got there:
Me: Who are you?
Ron Johnson (or someone next to him): I'm Ron Johnson (or this is Ron Johnson) of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Me: Who?
Ron Johnson: Ron Johnson of the Steelers.
Me: You don't play for the Steelers.
Ron Johnson: Yes, I do. I'm the starting cornerback (or possibly safety).
Me: No you aren't.
This continued for several minutes with the people around us trying to convince me that Ron Johnson did indeed play for the Steelers. I knew Dwayne Woodruff (for some reason, my brother and I called him Woodel-Woodel), Donnie Shell, Mel Blount, but I was convinced that Ron Johnson was not on the team. Finally, my dad must have reached me and told me that, yes, the guy I was talking to, Ron Johnson, was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I don't think that Ron Johnson was happy being challenged by a kid. Naturally, I noticed Ron Johnson every time his name was mentioned in a game during the rest of the season.
So Ron, if you happen to read this, I apologize for not believing that you were a Steeler, and I hope that you're doing okay.
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Poor Ron!
ReplyDeleteYanno what? I was born in Pittsburgh, grew up there during the 70s and 80s, watched and loved the Steelers since before I can remember, had Mean Joe Green as a neighbor growing up and, for the life of me, I have no idea who Ron Johnson is. None. No memory of the man ever playing for the Steelers. So you're not alone man.
ReplyDeleteLiLu - Ron has a Super Bowl ring or two, so I think he turned out fine.
ReplyDeleteFoggyDew - I included a link to Pro Football Reference and a picture of his football card in case other people didn't remember Ron Johnson. I'm glad that I wasn't alone!
He totally got called out by a kid. Haha.
ReplyDeleteGo Colts!
Ed - That is the first time I have ever seen anyone write Go Colts. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteRon Johnson, last I heard about three years ago, was working with an educational supply company in the Detroit area. I'll contact my buddy and see if he still has his contact information.
ReplyDeleteRon Johnson Was my coach through HS from 2003 to 2005....and yea coach ron is good...crazy lol but good
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Pgh during the 70's and Ron Johnson was my favorite player, He was a vicious hitter on defense, I remember a monday night game when he hit Earl Cambell at the goalline and Big Earl was the one sent to the sideline.It is hard to remember every player on such great teams, but he is one of only 2 players to start for the super champs his first 2 years , the Other player is Jack Lambert.. bowl champion
ReplyDelete