Rufus Johnson (born August 28, 1990) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL draft. He played college football for the Tarleton State Texans.Glenn Guilbeau, "Saints eye another gem in Tarleton State's Rufus Johnson", Shreveport Times, February 23, 2013.
College career Johnson is only the fourth player from Tarleton State University to be drafted by the NFL, and as the 183rd overall pick he is the highest NFL draft pick in school history. As a senior, he was Lone Star Conference defensive lineman of the year, and was chosen for several Division II all-America teams.Brad Keith, "Tarleton's Johnson drafted by Saints: Defensive end is Texans' highest-ever pick" , Stephenville Empire-Tribune, April 27, 2013. Before Tarleton, he spent two years at Kilgore College.Mark David, "College notes: Tarleton State's Rufus trying impress NFL scouts" , Abilene Reporter-News, February 6, 2013. He caught the Saints' attention with a strong performance at the Texas vs The Nation all-star game.Mike Triplett, "New Orleans Saints follow same obscure path with Tarleton State DE Rufus Johnson that has led to great success in past", Times-Picayune, April 27, 2013."Saints Impressed by Rufus Johnson at the Texas vs. The Nation Game", NewOrleansSaints.com, April 27, 2013.
Professional career
New Orleans Saints Johnson spent the entire 2013 regular season on the Saints practice squad, but was promoted for the teams divisional round playoff matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, Johnson was inactive for the game. The Saints released Johnson on August 26, 2014.New Orleans Saints announce roster moves
New England Patriots On December 31, 2014, the New England Patriots signed Johnson to a future/reserve contract. After impressing many in the preseason Johnson made the Patriots 53-man roster for the start of the 2015 NFL season, he appeared in his first game as a pro and recorded his first tackle in the Patriots week two victory against Buffalo. On October 28, 2015, he was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list due to an illness, ending his 2015 season.
On September 3, 2016, Johnson was released by the Patriots as part of final roster cuts and was signed to the practice squad the next day. On September 7, 2016, Johnson was released from the Patriots' practice squad.
Washington Redskins Johnson signed to the Redskins' practice squad on December 28, 2016. He signed a futures contract with the Redskins on January 2, 2017.
On May 2, 2017, Johnson was waived by the Redskins.
Oakland Raiders On August 4, 2017, Johnson was signed by the Oakland Raiders. He was waived on September 2, 2017.
References
External links Tarleton State Texans bio