Pepper Johnson, who played for the good guys as a linebacker in the 80s (1982-1985), is now the head coach at IMG Academy.
Former Ohio State linebacker Pepper Johnson is now the head coach at IMG Academy, where he was previously defensive coordinator. https://t.co/f40Bp4b049
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) June 23, 2021
Pepper's Profile: Pepper was an All-American for Ohio State in 1985 and was drafted in the second round of the 1986 draft by the New York Giants with the 51st pick. He played in the NFL for 13 seasons, the first 7 for the New York Giants where he won 2 Super Bowls and then had stints with the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and New York Jets. Also. he's from Detroit, which makes it all the sweeter he went to OSU.
The man could HIT
His NFL coaching career includes stints with the Patriots (primarily with LBs), the Bills (defensive line), and the Jets (defensive line)
Some fun facts: He's the father of former Buckeye Dionte Johnson. Pepper and Dionte are only the third father-son captains (after Jim and Kirk Herbstreit and James and Jeff Davidson) in Buckeye history. His nickname is Pepper because he would put black pepper on his cornflakes so his Aunt started calling him Pepper.
Pretty awesome stuff as they have elite talent at IMG Academy every year (8 of the top 20 players in FL go to school there this year) - including current Buckeye target Jihaad Campbell.
Congrats to Coach Pepper!
