Back to the New England Patriots Newsfeed

Former Patriots running back Andy Johnson dies at 65

ATHENS, Ga. — Andy Johnson, who starred as Georgia’s quarterback before going on to play running back with the Patriots for nine seasons, has died after a long illness. He was 65.

Georgia issued a statement saying Johnson died early Wednesday in Athens, Ga.

Johnson took over as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback in 1971 and led the team to an 11-1 record that included a Gator Bowl victory. He set a Southeastern Conference sophomore rushing record and finished second in the league with 870 yards on the ground, along with 13 touchdowns.