Official press release from mgoblue.com:
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan Athletic Department is saddened to announce that former standout running back Ron Johnson passed away early this morning (Saturday, Nov. 10) following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Johnson was the first African-American football captain for the Wolverines, being selected by his teammates to lead the team during the 1968 season.
Johnson, an All-America halfback for the Wolverines in 1968, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
He still holds Michigan single-game records with 347 yards rushing and five touchdowns against Wisconsin on Nov. 16, 1968. Johnson rushed for 1,391 yards and 19 touchdowns during his All-America season; the 19 rushing TDs are still a single-season school record at U-M.
Johnson was the Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award winner as well as U-M’s Most Valuable Player in 1968. In addition, he placed sixth in the Heisman Trophy balloting and was named the Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient as the top student-athlete at Michigan.
He finished his Michigan career as the school’s leading rusher and is currently 16th on U-M’s list with 2,440 yards. Johnson surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark on 10 occasions during his career (1966-68).
Johnson earned his business degree from Michigan in 1969.
After Michigan, Johnson played seven seasons in the NFL. He was drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns in 1969 and played one season for the organization before finishing his career with the New York Giants (1970-75).
Funeral arrangements are pending. Johnson was 71 years of age and is survived by his wife, Karen.
Related: Johnson’s epic 1968 game against Wisconsin was featured earlier this season in This Week in Michigan Football History. Check it out here.
