Micah Johnson\u2019s fifth All-CFL selection doubled as a first in Canadian professional football history.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, he became the only defensive lineman to make the dream team as a 37-year-old. The previous high was 36 \u2014 and, yes, the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle was an All-CFLer at that age, too.<\/p>\n
\u201cYear after year, it\u2019s just my competitive juices,\u201d he said. \u201cI just want to be the best at my position and I think it just drives me.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes off-seasons easier. It makes working out easier. My body still feels good. I know I say year after year that I feel better, but I\u2019m not lying.\u201d<\/p>\n
The only injury issues Johnson encountered were at the outset of his CFL career.<\/p>\n
He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in each of his first two seasons with the Calgary Stampeders (2013 and 2014).<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I used to pray and talk to God, I would just ask Him, \u2018Give me some longevity on the back end, just to make up for this,\u2019 \u201d he recalled. \u201cI told him, \u2018I\u2019m going to pull myself up out of this hole.\u2019 I used to have conversations like that.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just crazy, having that rocky start like I did early on in my career. To see how it has formulated and how it is still coming together, the story is still being written.\u201d<\/p>\n
The imprint Johnson left with the Stampeders is evidenced by his first three All-CFL selections \u2014\u00a0in 2016, 2017 and 2018.<\/p>\n
A linebacker before joining the Stampeders, Johnson expected to move to the defensive line \u2014\u00a0but to an end spot, as opposed to tackle \u2014\u00a0upon migrating to Canada.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember him coming of two knee surgeries and switching positions,\u201d said Roughriders Head Coach Corey Mace, who played defensive tackle alongside Johnson in Calgary.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot was asked of that guy. With the fact that he has carved out this kind of career for himself, I\u2019m just proud of him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Justifiably so.<\/p>\n
Johnson is one of only 22 players (and 12 non-kickers) aged 37 or over to make an All-CFL team, dating back to its introduction in 1962. (See full list below.)<\/p>\n
As well, Johnson is just the eighth defensive lineman \u2014\u00a0and the fifth tackle \u2014 to make the All-CFL team at least five times.<\/p>\n
John Helton leads the way with nine nominations. Doug Brown, also a tackle, is next in line with seven.<\/p>\n
John Barrow (tackle), Charleston Hughes (end), Willie Jefferson (end) and Almondo Sewell (tackle) follow with six.<\/p>\n
At five, Johnson is accompanied by Dave Fennell (tackle) and Joe Montford (end).<\/p>\n
Among that group of eight, all but Hughes, Jefferson, Sewell and Johnson are in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame \u2014 principally because they are not yet eligible for induction.<\/p>\n
Jefferson, now of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, remains an active player. Hughes and Sewell played as recently as 2022 and 2023, respectively. A player must be retired for three full seasons before he can be considered for the Hall.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a funny story,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cBefore I came up here, I\u2019d just got cut by the Green Bay Packers at that time. It was the last NFL cut. It kind of took my heart out because I thought I did a very good job.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was making my way to Canada and I remember talking to my dad about this, that and the other. He was like, \u2018You can\u2019t think about it anymore. The CFL has a Hall of Fame, too.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cThat stuck with me. From then on, I didn\u2019t necessarily make it my goal, but my dad made a really good point.\u201d<\/p>\n
After starring at the University of Kentucky, Johnson spent time in the NFL with the New York Giants (2010), Miami Dolphins (2010), Kansas City Chiefs (2010-11), Cincinnati Bengals (2011-12) and Green Bay (2012-13) before signing with Calgary on May 27, 2013.<\/p>\n