As a sophomore in 1949, Johnson started three games at left tackle, sharing the position with College Football Hall of Fame inductee Alvin Wistert.

[6] The AP story continued:"The big 220-pound junior has been a standout against Army, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Indiana.

Such backs as the Army's Jack Martin and Minnesota's Larry Easer, among others, know the surprise of breaking into the clear only to be dragged down from behind by the cat-quick tackle.

[5] In December 1950, Bernie Swanson, sports editor of the Minneapolis Star, picked Johnson as the best defensive tackle in the Big Ten Conference.

While training with the College All-Stars, Chicago Tribune columnist Arch Ward wrote that it would be hard for Michigan coach Bennie Oosterbaan to replace Johnson.

Ward added, "Tom Johnson, the 60 minute All-American currently assigned to a first string tackle berth in the College All-Star camp, is the acme of modesty.... Hardly a man around can remember him saying anything since the Collegians gathered at St. John's Military academy.

When Johnson and Iowa's Donal Riley signed with the Packers, the announcement in the Wisconsin newspapers focused on their race.

"[13] The Capital Times led the story as follows: "The signing of two Negro athletes —- Tackle Tom Johnson of Michigan and Fullback Donal (Mike) Riley of Iowa —- was announced today by the Green Bay Packers.