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.
RIP RJ he was drafted no1 by the Browns played a season then traded to the Giants