Ellis Johnson: key obituary facts
Is Ellis Johnson dead? Yes. Ellis Johnson died on November 1, 2026, at age 83.
Cause of death: Ellis Johnson's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Ellis Johnson known for?
Ellis Johnson was an American football player.
More about Ellis Johnson
Born: July 9, 1943.
Ellis Edward Johnson Jr., an American football player who played halfback and wide receiver for the Boston Patriots, died November 1, 2026, aged 83.
Born July 9, 1943, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Johnson played college football for the Southeastern Louisiana Lions. In his senior season, he was named the team’s most valuable player and earned All-Gulf States Conference honors at halfback.
He led the Lions that year with 531 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Southeastern Louisiana later inducted him into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981. Johnson was selected by the Boston Patriots in the fourth round of the 1965 American Football League draft and by the Minnesota Vikings in the 19th round of that year’s National Football League draft. He went on to play two seasons in the AFL with the Patriots, moving between halfback and wide receiver. The team entered his rookie season optimistic that his speed would translate to success in the league. Johnson started three games as a rookie, finishing with 29 yards rushing and 29 yards receiving. His college career and professional play thus included roles in both the backfield and as a receiver, with his rookie statistics reflecting contributions in each area.