A pitcher during his active career, he appeared in seven games in Major League Baseball as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics during the early weeks of the 1941 season.

Pitching exclusively in relief, Johnson earned his only decision, a victory, on April 23, 1941, at Shibe Park.

He took over from starting pitcher Nels Potter in the top of the sixth inning with the opposition Washington Senators leading, 6–1.

Johnson held Washington off the scoreboard, allowing one hit (a double to Ben Chapman), before exiting the game for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the frame.

He then served in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theatre of World War II,[2] missing four full years before returning to the minor leagues for two more seasons, 1946 and 1947.