Hall of Fame
One of the top defensive backs in Lincoln history, Bruce Johnson intercepted more passes in his career than any other LU football player in program history. Johnson, a four-year letter-winner at Lincoln 1972-75), finished his playing career with 22 interceptions, five more than Horace Fredrick, who is second with 17. That total also ranks third on the MIAA's career interception chart. Not surprisingly, Johnson is one of four players tied for the most interceptions in a single season for Lincoln, as he had seven during the 1973 campaign.
Johnson made a splash from the start. As a freshman, he averaged 27 yards per interception return, including setting both the Lincoln and MIAA mark with a 100-yard return against Rolla. In 1973, Johnson set a Lincoln and an MIAA record with four interceptions in a single game, accomplishing the feat against Northeast Missouri State. That proved to be just the start, as the following season, against Kentucky State, Johnson intercepted five passes, which still stands as the MIAA's single game record.
A three-time all-conference honoree during his Lincoln playing career, Johnson was voted as a first team All-MIAA selection in 1973. He was also Lincoln's Athlete of the Year in 1974. Following his LU career, Johnson signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, becoming one of 14 Lincoln players to play professional football.
