CFL B.C. Lions

Brent Johnson Ring of Honour Ceremony Highlights Tilt with Eskimos

Published on July 16, 2012 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


(Vancouver) As the BC Lions look to get back into the win column versus the Edmonton Eskimos this Friday night presented by Purolator Tackle Hunger, they will also make a historic addition to their Ring of Honour as Brent Johnson takes his rightful place among Lions greats during a halftime ceremony.

"The highest honour bestowed upon a former BC Lions player is to be added to the club's Ring of Honour," said Lions president and CEO Dennis Skulsky. "Brent was not just one of the best football players to ever wear our uniform, he defined class and professionalism among his peers and it is our distinct pleasure on Friday night to recognize his many accomplishments both on and off the field."

"No player in our history has ever been added to the Ring of Honour this soon after retirement which speaks to the impact Brent had as a member of our football club," added Skulsky.

Johnson came to the Lions midway through the 2001 season after being drafted by the Leos earlier that spring. Not missing a start from his first days in orange through 184 consecutive regular season games, he stepped aside for just one game in 2011 to witness the birth of his son Roman last October.

"Brent was a pleasure to coach and was of one our league's most treasured ambassadors," said VP, football operations and GM Wally Buono. "His dedication to excellence personified our organization's efforts to be among the league's very best. The Ring of Honour is a fitting tribute to Brent."

After earning All Big-10 honours as a senior in 2000, the Ohio State grad quickly became a defensive star for the Lions excelling at a defensive end position usually reserved for imports. A West Division All-Star on five occasions and a CFL All-Canadian three times, Johnson recorded a franchise-high 89 sacks over his 11 seasons in BC.

In 2006, a season that saw the Lions collect their fifth Grey Cup title, Brent earned league-wide awards as both the Most Outstanding Defensive Player and Most Outstanding Canadian as he terrorized opposing quarterbacks with 16 sacks and two interceptions. He was also named the Most Outstanding Canadian in the 2005 season.

Johnson elected to play one more season in 2011 after establishing the club's sack record in the final regular season game of 2010. Citing his desire to win a championship in front of a home crowd at BC Place, he was the team's inspirational leader throughout the 2011 campaign which resulted in a historic sixth Grey Cup win for the Lions.

"I was very fortunate to enjoy an amazing career with the Lions," said Johnson. "To be added to the Ring of Honour is something that is beyond description for me, my wife Lara and our son Roman. I am extremely grateful to receive this honour and I am thankful for the contributions of my former teammates, coaches, the late Bob Ackles and Lions owner David Braley. Friday's ceremony will be something I will cherish forever."

Johnson joins eight former Leos on the Ring of Honour: By Bailey, Norm Fieldgate, Willie Fleming, Joe Kapp, Jim Young, Alan Wilson, Lui Passaglia and Jamie Taras as well as former president and CEO Bob Ackles.

The next BC Lions home game is Friday, July 20th versus the Edmonton Eskimos at 7:00 pm presented by Purolator Tackle Hunger. Single game tickets for all BC Lions regular season games are now available by calling 1.855.GO.LIONS.

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Canadian Football League Stories from July 16, 2012


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