Joe Johnson was born in Cleveland, OH. July 11, 1972. Johnson attended Jennings Sr. High School in St. Louis, MO. Which is where his football career began. After receiving a diploma in 1990, Johnson earned a full football scholarship to the University Of Louisville. UofL is where Johnson’s life started to take shape. “College taught me a lot of valuable lessons that have been very helpful in making decisions and pursuing goals in life”.
Johnson attended the University Of Louisville for four years where he was a full time starter for three years and was honored as a first team “All American” in his last year as a Cardinal. Johnson chose to for-go his senior year in college to take advantage of a unique opportunity to be drafted in the 1994 NFL draft.
Johnson was the first pick (13th overall) of the New Orleans Saints in the 1994 draft (1994-2001). Johnson received a number of honors while with the Saints as a defensive end; Pro Bowl (1998 & 2000), All Madden Team (1998 & 2000), Ed Block Courage Award (2000), Come Back Player Of The Year (2000), All Rookie Team (1994), NFC Player Of The Week (twice during 1998 season & once during 2000 season) and named to the New Orleans Saints Hall Of Fame (2007). Johnson played the last two years of his ten-year career for the Green Bay Packers (2002-2003). “My career ended early due to injury, but I was truly blessed with the opportunity to play for two top notch organizations.
In 1999, Johnson formed “Built 2 Last” a 501(c)3 with the mission to aid in the development of our youth and communities across the country. “I have always been a firm believer that it takes a hands on approach to be effective in making an impact with our youth, and in our communities, not just from a financial support level. “Built 2 Last” will provide that hands on approach that we all need”. The “Built 2 Last” affordable housing and assistance program is currently active in New Orleans, LA. with a national vision. This housing program will not just put families in homes and walk away, but will assist in the development of the entire family from youth to adults.
In 2007, Johnson Co-founded “Who Still Got It”, an organization designed to help in the development of retired professional athletes, in turn helping worthy causes with the assistance of these retired athletes. “Who Still Got It” has made a three-year commitment to the city of New Orleans, LA. in helping to raise funding and awareness for the “Built 2 Last” affordable housing and assistance program. “Who Still Got It” will utilize the status of athletes not only to entertain, but also to have the ability to generate revenue that will be used as a tool towards making a difference in the world! “We as athletes have made organizations millions of dollars over the years, now its time that we use our same talents and celebrity status towards worthy causes”
