Demetrious Johnson has died at the age of 61. He played football for Mizzou and for five seasons in the NFL before returning to his hometown and creating a foundation which has boosted countless youth and families.
He passed away Saturday, Christmas Eve, of an aortic dissection, his family said in a statement. The rare heart condition involves a tear in the wall of the major artery carrying blood out of the heart. He had reportedly been hospitalized in the week prior. It was described as "sudden."
"His family and friends are saddened by this loss. His big heart and love for his community will never be forgotten," their statement said.
The St. Louis native played defensive back at the University of Missouri-Columbia and was drafted by the Detroit Lions. He played there from 1983 to 1986 and then for a year with the Miami Dolphins.
After retiring from football, he returned to his hometown and founded the Demetrious Johnson Foundation, which provides St. Louis youth with mentoring, job training, and after-school tutoring, and, for 32 years running, sponsors a Thanksgiving canned food drive.
Former Detroit Lions Demetrious Johnson along with University of Missouri Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois, knock, on a door to deliver a Thanksgiving Day turkey and fixings at an apartment complex in St. Louis on Saturday, November 19, 2022. Over 3,000 turkeys were delivered to those of underprivileged households for Thanksgiving Day by the Demetrious Johnson Foundation.Bill Greenblatt/UPI
Former Detroit Lions Demetrious Johnson knocks on a door to deliver a Thanksgiving Day turkey and fixings at an apartment complex in St. Louis on Saturday, November 19, 2022. Over 3,000 turkeys were delivered to those of underprivileged households for Thanksgiving Day.Bill Greenblatt/UPI
Former Detroit Lions Demetrious Johnson along with University of Missouri Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois, knock on a door to deliver a Thanksgiving Day turkey and fixings at an apartment complex in St. Louis on Saturday, November 19, 2022. Over 3,000 turkeys were delivered to those of underprivileged households for Thanksgiving Day by the Demetrious Johnson Foundation.Bill Greenblatt/UPI
Johnson was also a longtime and beloved host with St. Louis radio stations WHHL-FM (Hot 104.1) and WFUN-FM (96.3 R&B for the Lou).
"His untimely passing represents an enormous loss to our community," said Audacy St. Louis Senior Vice President and Market Manager Becky Domyan. "Our most heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to his family, friends, and his loyal listeners."
Johnson Family Statement, 12/24/22
It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of Demetrious Johnson on Saturday, December 24th, 2022. He succumbed to a rare heart condition, an Aortic Dissection. His family and friends are saddened by this loss. His big heart and love for his community will never be forgotten.
Rest up to St. Louis native and former NFL player Demetrious Johnson. A true staple in the community. 💯♥️🕊️
— Jermaine (@pettisvspaco) December 25, 2022
Demetrious Johnson's death is a crippling blow to the culture, and especially to the Black community in St. Louis. I'm fortunate to have connected with him. He did it with a servant's heart. Rest in Peace, Big Fella.
— Etoya R. White (@EtoyaWhite) December 25, 2022
Johnson is survived by several family members, including his high school sweetheart and wife of 37 years, Pat; daughters Ashley, Taylore, Alexandria, Lakisha and Sydney; and son, Jalen.
