Yesterday brought the passing of a football great, as NMSU Aggie legend and former NFL and AFL quarterback Charley Johnson died at age 85. As KTSM reports, Johnson, who led the New Mexico State University (NMSU) to an impressive 19 wins across two seasons, died on Tuesday. Renowned for his performances in the Sun Bowl, where he clinched the MVP title in consecutive seasons, Johnson's legacy at NMSU is etched firmly in the annals of the school's history.
Further cementing his status as an icon of American football, Johnson's professional career spanned 15 years and included a remarkable 165 games played, with 24,410 yards thrown and an accumulation of 170 touchdowns according to The Denver Post. During his tenure with the Denver Broncos, he notably led the franchise to its first winning season, an achievement that saw him inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1986.
Johnson's prowess on the field was paralleled by his achievements off it. His off-field career was diverse, serving as both a dedicated military man and later, a respected academic. According to NM State Sports, Johnson balanced his time as an NFL quarterback with his service as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve, even being called into active duty in 1967. His post-NFL life witnessed his continued commitment to education and service, as he headed the chemical engineering department at NMSU and even briefly coached the school's football team.
