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Returning to Glory

July 1, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Georgia Force News Release


Fans at their first Arena Football game are captivated by the precision offenses and game-changing interceptions. However, the most exciting play of the game can come within the ten seconds the ball is set on a tee and kicked from end zone to end zone.

Force kick returner and wide receiver C.J. Johnson, back turned to the kicker, waits for the ball to carom off the net and secures it.

"The first thing I look for is who's showing up first," Johnson said. "I try to see who's free and set up my blocks."

With the blocks set, he picks his spot and attacks like a running back slicing through the line. Before he turns his head again, he is five yards into the opposing end zone, hands raised in triumph.

For Johnson, it is this distinctive path that has separated him from the AFL elite wide outs, as his contributions are felt both on offense and on special teams. His 2,731 all-purpose yards rank second in the league while dashing past the opposition for a league-leading five kick return touchdowns.

Despite his success in the 2011 season, it did not come so easy for the once-heralded Tennessee State Tiger. His college success did not come with an overwhelming following from the NFL scouts.

For Johnson, his next opportunity came from the AFL and he took the opportunity in stride; however, the crafty wide receiver never found a home. He played for a number of teams before former Alabama Vipers head coach Dean Cokinos was impressed by his ability to change a game.

"With C.J., you always know what you are going to get when he steps on the field," said Cokinos, now head coach of the Force. "He is exceptional with the ball in his hands after the catch but he can also stretch the field with his downfield speed. He's a very good blocker on top of that. In short, he's the ideal Arena Football player."

Last year, Johnson found himself in the scheme of a prolific offense while adding explosiveness to the kick return game. Soon he established himself as a double threat, accumulating 1,246 receiving yards and 1,507 kick return yards, a feat only three other AFL players accomplished in 2010.

"Of course, everyone wants to make it to the NFL, but I have been blessed and fortunate enough to play the game that I love while taking advantage of my opportunities and being a mentor to young kids," Johnson said.

As the calendar turned, he found himself in a new uniform, but with greater expectations. Johnson faced questions about whether he could repeat his stellar performance, if his gaudy return yard totals would repeat themselves, or even if he could be a feature wide receiver. His teammates knew how well Johnson could perform.

"With C.J., you almost expect him to score every time and it's almost a surprise when he doesn't," said Force quarterback Brett Elliott. "It's a true testament to how good he is. He might be one of the best I've ever seen."

With three games left, Johnson has made his presence felt league wide. He has been awarded the JLS Ironman of the Week on two separate occasions, and has taken over the Force record book by capturing the single-season records for kick return yards, kick return touchdowns, and all-purpose yards.

His status has alerted some of the teams as they have tried to short kick or make sure to keep the ball away from him. Yet Johnson has found ways to get his touches. He has accumulated 1,171 receiving yards and 1,560 kick return yards, making him one of two players to accomplish that feat this season. He is also the active leader in career kick returns for a touchdown with 15.

"Our approach to the return game is about the group working together and making the proper adjustments," said Cokinos, "but when you have a guy like C.J. returning kicks, it becomes more of a pride thing because the guys know if they can get him a crease, he will hit a home run."

Johnson is averaging 182.1 yards per game and continues to account for more than his share of excitement at The Arena at the Gwinnett Center. Despite the trials and hardships of his career, his eyes remain fixed on his goal.

"Stay focused," Johnson said."Continue to work hard and everything will work itself out."

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