Charles Johnson, a first-round draft pick of the Steelers in 1994, has died in Wake Forest, North Carolina, according to CBS17.com.
Johnson was 50 years old.
A star receiver at Colorado, Johnson was selected in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He spent five seasons with the Steelers, catching 247 passes for 3,400 yards and 15 touchdowns.
His best season came in 1996 when he caught 60 passes for 1,008 yards.
Johnson, who also was known as a ferocious blocker, set the tone at the position, often cracking down on the line of scrimmage to pick up a linebacker or defensive end. His blocking became the basis for how Hines Ward, his teammate with the Steelers in 1998, would eventually do that job, as well.
Johnson also spent time with the Eagles, Bills and Patriots, where he won a Super Bowl, before retiring after the 2002 season. He finished his career with 354 receptions for just over 4,600 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Johnson had been working as an assistant athletic director at Heritage High School in Wake Forest, where, according to CBS17.com, former Steelers cornerback Dwayne Washington had been the head football coach, while Willie Parker and former Rams receiver Torry Holt were assistant coaches.
