Furthermore, he holds the school career record for tackles (401 ), and he was also an excellent student who graduated with a 4.0 grade point average.

Johnson played collegiately at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

He became the third Bengals rookie to earn the tackling title, joining Takeo Spikes and James Francis.

Against the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson recorded five tackles and forced a fumble on tight end Todd Heap, which led to a Bengals' touchdown to put the team up 14–3 in the second quarter.

In a December victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnson totaled 11 tackles and forced another fumble.

In a December 24 contest with the Buffalo Bills, Johnson set a team-high for the season with 14 tackles.

In the following shutout against the Browns, Johnson recorded five tackles and a sack that also resulted in a fumble.

Then against the Kansas City Chiefs, Johnson led the team with 10 tackles and also had a sack of Damon Huard.

In the season finale against the Miami Dolphins, Johnson led the team with 11 tackles.