Mississippi State Players in the NFL: AFC East
Oct 6, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is sacked by Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Antonio Johnson (90) during the first half at LP Field. The Chiefs beat the Titans 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Antonio Johnson
New England Patriots
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Key Stats
- Tackles: 98
- Solo: 53
- Sacks: 4.5
Antonio Johnson is a Bulldog many might have forgotten about since he toiled most of his time in Starkville during the Croom years. He was JUCO transfer to the Bulldogs in 2005, and played well enough to grab the attention of NFL scouts. Johnson was drafted 152nd overall during the 5th round of the NFL draft in 2007.
Antonio Johnson wouldn’t play his first game in the NFL until a year later when he debuted with the Indianapolis Colts. He played sparingly in the league until 2013, his first with the team that drafted him. Johnson registered 15 tackles and 3 sacks with the Titans.
Johnson sat out the 2014 season, and he signed with the Patriots before as a free agent in the offseason. Many were not expecting Johnson to make the roster before the start of 2015, but a lingering injury to Alan Branch has opened the door for Antonio Johnson to get repetitions he likely would not have gotten.
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