Charles Johnson had a distinguished career with the Carolina Panthers, becoming one of the franchise's most productive and consistent defensive players. Drafted in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia, he was considered a 1st or 2nd round talent, but fell to the 3rd where the Panthers selected him with the 83rd pick. One of the better steals in Panthers history. Johnson would go on to play in 143 games from 2007 until 2017.
Johnson's presence on the field was pivotal for the Panthers' defense. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing around 275 pounds, he combined strength, agility, and technique to overpower offensive linemen. His ability to disrupt the quarterback and anchor the run defense made him a cornerstone of the Panthers' front seven. From 2010 to 2014, Johnson consistently delivered double-digit sack seasons, peaking in 2012 with 12.5 sacks. His relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks was a key factor in the Panthers' defensive schemes, which often relied on a strong pass rush to compensate for other defensive deficiencies.
Although he was a reserve when he started his career, due to playing behind studs Mike Rucker and Julius Peppers, Johnson accumulated 10.0 sacks in his first three years. Johnson appeared in all 16 games of the 2008 season. With Rucker retired, and a year of experience behind him; he showed great strides during the year totaling 25 tackles, 6.0 quarterback sacks, and forcing 1 fumble.
When Peppers left in free agency to go to the Chicago Bears, Johnson began the first of his five straight seasons with at least 8.5 sacks. In 2010 Johnson seized the opportunity, starting all 16 games while recording 11.5 sacks, which ranked him tied for 8th in the NFL. Johnson recorded 9.0, 12.5, 11.0, and 8.5 sacks over the 2011–2014 seasons, 11th in the NFL over that time period.
2015 was an amazing year for the Panthers, but Johnson struggled to stay healthy and had his worst statistical performance. He vowed to be back for the playoffs as Carolina would finish the year 15-1. His play during those playoff was phenomenal. Although Carolina fell to the Denver Broncos 24-10, Johnson played great in the losing effort. He recorded five tackles and a sack in the disappointing loss. Johnson recorded three sacks during that postseason run, and holds the franchise record with five career playoff sacks.
Injuries would hamper Johnson for the remainder of his career, but he continued to be a team leader for Carolina. Following the 2017 season Johnson announced his retirement after spending his entire career with the Panthers.
Johnson would finish his career with 323 tackles, 67.5 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, as well as 25 deflected passes. Charles Johnson was a leader on and off the field during his tenure in Carolina.
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