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Former Michigan RB Ron Johnson loses battle with Alzheimer’s
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It’s Saturday, so it’s game day.
But, before Michigan kicked off against Rutgers, the Wolverines had sad news. Ron Johnson, a former Michigan RB, lost his battle with Alzheimer’s:
Before today's game, we are saddened to announce that former standout running back Ron Johnson passed away early this morning following a long battle with Alzheimer's.
RELEASE » https://t.co/xBDyG4nyAW#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/ZpJV9UmhA1
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) November 10, 2018
Johnson was Michigan’s first-ever African-American football captain in 1968:
Johnson was the first African-American football captain for the Wolverines, being selected by his teammates to lead the team during the 1968 season.
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) November 10, 2018
Johnson certainly proved as to why he was named a captain that season, too. He went on to run for 1,391 yards and 19 TD while being named an All-America. Against Wisconsin, he had an incredibly effective game.
In that contest against the Badgers, Johnson ran for 347 yards and 5 TD. Johnson went on to play 7 seasons in the NFL, drafted in the First Round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.
He played one season with the Browns, and then the next 6 with the New York Giants.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.