 Art
Johnson
1992 Greater Flint
Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: MULTIPLE SPORTS
Parent: R.G. (Jenny) Johnson Sr.
Wife: Barbara Johnson
Daughters: Monica, Shonda, Darla
Art Johnson, one of Flint's great three sport stars, was raised on
the north end of Flint. Art's brothers, R.G., Jr., Edward and Wilbert
all excelled in one or more sports. Art gives Bill Yambrick, and the
Mott Foundation credit for the opportunity to excel in sports.
Seldom, in Flint sports, has there been an individual who possessed
such talent. On the track at Northern Art possessed a smooth and graceful
running style. He set the Pontiac field 220 dash record (22.7) and
was Northern's 100 yard dash champion (9.9), 220 dash champion (21.3),
and long jump champion(21'3"). Art was was the City 880 relay
record (1.32.2) and State medley record (2.29.7) in 1953. He was the
Mansfield Relays 220 dash champion (22.8), the city's 100 yard dash
champion (10.2) and 220 dash champion (23.0) in 1954.
Northern was the City and Saginaw Valley basketball champions in 1952,
53 and 54. Northern also won the Regional Tournament and was runner-up
for the State basketball title in 1954. Art was the team's scoring
leader with 242 points and team shooting average of .411. He was selected
first team All-Saginaw Valley basketball in1954.
In football Art was a great two-way performer on the 1953 team. He
was called "Rabbit" because he was so quick. On the football
field he mesmerized opponents with his explosive quickness and moves.
On defense his ability for tackling and quick reaction made him exceptional.
He was the Saginaw Valley scoring champion with 54 points. He led Northern
in scoring with15 touchdowns. Twelve of them were runs of from 30 to
95 yards. In one game against Detroit Catholic Central, Art gained
238 yards and averaged 16.5 yards a carry.
He was selected All City halfback and unanimous All Saginaw Valley
halfback. Art was voted Northern's Most Valuable Player, earned All
State honors on the U.P.I, Associated Press and Detroit Free Press
All State teams. He was also named the Outstanding Player on the All
State team. He was first team on the All Saginaw Valley defensive team
and also led Northern in rushing 860 yards with a 9.8 average per carry.
At Michigan State University he played offense and defense from 1956-1958.
He scored seven touchdowns and averaged seven yards per carry at halfback
in 1957.
Art played professional football for seven years. He played for the
C.F.L., Toronto Argonauts in 1961, and earned Rookie of the Year honors.
He also tied the Canadian FootbalI League single game pass record with
four interceptions. Later, in his career at Calgary of the C.F.L.,
he led the league in kick-off returns, and made the All Pro Team. Art
was a brilliant three sport star worthy of his many honors.
Art is employed at G.M. Flint Truck and Bus as a supervisor.
For 1992 Inductees Only: Back | Forward
<< Hall of Fame Home
|
fpl.info