Sept. 3, 2015

DeKALB, Ill. – Tailback LeShon Johnson, the only consensus first team All-American in NIU history whose 1,976 rushing yards in 1993 still ranks atop the Huskie record book, has been selected the second greatest player in the 50-year history of Huskie Stadium. Over the last 10 weeks, NIU has introduced the Top 50 players in stadium history as part of its celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Huskie Stadium, culminating with a Top 10 Countdown over the last two weeks. Huskie Stadium’s 50 Greatest Players is presented by Compass Mortgage. On Friday, NIU will announce the player ranked No. 1 by the 13-member voting panel.

The Top 10 Countdown began with No. 10 wide receiver Justin McCareins (1997-2000), No. 9 split end John Spilis (1966-68), No. 8 offensive tackle Ryan Diem (1997-2000), No. 7 fullback Mark Kellar (1971-73) and No. 6 defensive end Larry English in its first week. Quarterback Chandler Harnish earned the No. 5 spot, tailback Garrett Wolfe checked in at No. 4, just behind tailback Michael Turner at No. 3. The Huskies 50th Anniversary of Huskie Stadium will be celebrated throughout the 2015 season with special ticket pricing, 1965 Throwback Uniforms for the first game, a reunion of the 1965 team and more.

Johnson, a native of Haskell, Okla. nicknamed “Cowboy”, played for NIU in 1992 and 1993 after starting his college career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. As a senior in 1993, he led the nation, rushing for 1,976 yards and 12 touchdowns in 11 games to average 179.6 rushing yards per game. His average at the time ranked fourth all-time in NCAA Division I history. Named a first team All-American by the Associated Press, United Press International, Football News, Kodak, Walter Camp, the Football Writer’s Association of America, The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly, he also was named the National Back of the Year by UPI and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award and Football News’ Offensive Player of the Year Award.

Johnson garnered 176 votes (five first-place nods, 51 second place votes and 59 third-place) to finish sixth in balloting for the 1993 Heisman Trophy. He had five of the top eight single-game rushing games in the NCAA Division I-A football in 1993, including a then school-record 322 yards versus Southern Illinois. In 22 career games, he ran for 100 or more yards 15 times. He earned honorable mention All-America honors as a junior after finishing eighth in the NCAA in rushing with 1,338 yards on 265 carries.

He also set the Kinnick Stadium [Iowa] rushing record with 306 yards on 32 carries with two touchdowns at Iowa on Nov. 6.

“He is a phenomenal football player,” said legendary Iowa Head Coach Hayden Fry after that game. “When he ran, he was just like a blur. I’ve never seen anyone with that great burst of speed once he sees daylight. His legs are like pistons. You will probably never see a better runningback in Kinnick Stadium.”

Johnson described his style like this.

“Well, I just let my feelings flow,” Johnson said. “I’m not a jukey tailback, I’m a north-south type of runner. I have a style all my own. I compare it to Walter Payton, who was my idol when I was growing up. He ran hard, with authority. And he was fast.”

Johnson was drafted in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers and went on to a six-year NFL career with the Packers, Giants and Cardinals. In 1999, he earned the Ed Block Courage Award with the New York Giants, given to one player on each team as nominated by his teammates for showing courage and perseverance. Johnson’s top season came in 1996 with the Arizona Cardinals when he gained 634 yards on 141 carries and caught 15 passes for 176 yards.

The 50 Greatest Players, including the Top 10 in order, were selected by vote of a 13-member committee of current and former staff members, NIU’s long-time radio broadcast team, Huskie Hall of Famers like George Bork and Joe Novak and individuals whose affiliation with the NIU football program collectively dates back hundreds of years. In order to qualify to be considered, players must have competed in Huskie Stadium, which opened Nov. 6, 1965.

See the entire list here.

Each of the living 50 Greatest Players has been invited to return to Huskie Stadium for a game of their choice this season, at which time they will be honored on the field as “Huskie Legends”.

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Huskie Stadium, NIU is offering special $19.65 ticket pricing, presented by Hy-Vee, for all Huskie home football games this year. Purchase tickets in section A and G on the West Side of Huskie Stadium online for $19.65 each. These tickets are available for purchase at this special price online only by using the promo code “1965”. CLICK HERE to order now or go to NIUHuskies.com/tickets.

The Huskie team will wear 1965 Throwback uniforms for its 2015 season opening game versus UNLV on Sept. 5 at Huskie Stadium. The uniforms, including the helmet decals, jerseys and socks, replicate those worn by the 1965 NIU squad that posted a perfect 9-0 regular season record. More than 20 members of the 1965 team will hold a 50-Year Reunion on Sept. 4-5 and will be honored during the NIU-UNLV game. The Throwback jerseys are being auctioned off on the Huskies’ official athletics website at NIUHuskies.com.

NIU Football 2015 season tickets are still on sale and remain the best value in Chicagoland. Season ticket prices begin for as little as $99, a 61 percent discount off the single game price. Other ticket options include two different three-game mini-plans for just $75, the new Huskie Family Pack, which includes four season tickets in sections A, B, F or G of Huskie Stadium for just $299 or the Young Alumni Ticket, with two East Side season tickets for $115 for all 2014-15 NIU graduates. Faculty and staff, senior citizens (62 and over) and NIU Alumni Association members can purchase season tickets for just $115.

To become an NIU season ticket holder or to purchase mini-plans, the Family Pack or single game tickets, go online anytime to NIUHuskies.com/tickets or call 815-753-PACK (7225) Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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