Pittsburgh Steeler Ron Johnson's Family Donates His Brain for CTE Research | The Players' Tribune

He loved that game. He loved to hit.”
Following his father’s death, Ron Johnson II and his family donated the former Steeler’s brain to the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank.
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[@linkthompson8772]

I met Ron Johnson when I was 16 years old. My Aunt, by marriage is his first cousin. Her father passed away and Ron came to the funeral. He may have been retired about 4 years. He was one of the most humblest people I had ever met to be such a successful football player and a part of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. The funniest thing was that my uncle had told him about me and my success on the high school football field. We had just won the Virginia State Football Championship and he knew about it. I had my state ring on when we were introduced. He asked to see my ring and he had one of his Super Bowl rings on. He asked if I wanted to trade rings. I said, no like a dummy. He laughed and said good. He then told me that the ring I had had value because I won that with my friends that I grew up with. Super Bowl rings are bought from drafts....Cherish that moment. I still take that and used that moment as teaching tools when I became a high school football coach. R.I P. Ron Johnson, SR. You really touched my heart.

[@thomasdrotar]

I played with your Father at EMU back in the late 70’s. He was definitely in a league of his own even back then. His talent humbled the rest of us. I’m so sorry for your loss.

[@lindabaver4212]

I met Ron Johnson when he struck up a conversation with me at a restaurant in Dearborn, MI, because I had on my Pittsburgh Penguins hoodie. We talked about the Pirates, and he told me his name and that he had been a Steeler. I don’t follow football, and I didn’t recognize him. We had a nice conversation, and he impressed me with his friendliness and humbleness. I was sad to hear that he had passed. Such a genuinely nice and kind human being.

[@russellfrederick6973]

He was an awesome dB awesome corner who could have easily played safety. As a young steelers fan in 78 and seeing a rookie start you expect growing pains..Ron never had them he excelled from the gate and his tenacity just added to his dynamic game .a true steeler defender. RIP Ron Johnson. Heart to the family.

[@davidgrillo9928]

Such a sad story. So sorry for his family. He was so young. My thoughts and prayers to his family

[@ralphrios]

R I P Brother, awesome player.

[@tydrekusrobinson3586]

Cte is crazy

[@benjammmin7180]

I'll never forget him STICKING Billy Joe Dupree of Dallas at the goal line in Super Bowl XIII. He was a hitter.
RIP

Univ of MN
Luv u Ron

[@joseyeastwood]

Rest in peace.

[@ellisvisuals746]

RIP Unc

[@respectknuckles428]

NFL make this right!

[@navrickwilliamson2488]

Am now I

[@arravYT]

littering at the end

[@TWN321]

Another tragic victim of the NFL

[@fazecodfan673]

RIP to that man but flying those balloons is hurting the earth man