CHARLOTTE – Charles Johnson, a decorated defensive end who spent his entire 11-year career with the Carolina Panthers, has officially retired from the NFL. His journey will be celebrated at Bank of America Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Many have known this for some time now. Johnson recalled a recent conversation he had with Carla Williams, who was an athletics administrator at the University of Georgia when Johnson was playing for the Bulldogs.
"Miss Carla, she is now the athletic director at Virginia, she told me a story the other day," said Johnson, beginning to laugh. "When I was at Georgia, she asked me, 'What if you don't make it to the NFL?'
"And I forgot that I had told her I was going to be a janitor back in my hometown."
Johnson, a native of Hawkinsville, Ga., never had to fall back to Plan B.
His work ethic and natural talent as a pass rusher came together and allowed him to enjoy a terrific NFL career with the Panthers, who selected him in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
"My mindset was just to work," said Johnson, a player who always shied away from the limelight. "I knew the work would get me where I wanted to be."
Johnson racked up 67.5 career sacks and 20 forced fumbles – both ranking second in team history behind Julius Peppers, one of his all-time favorite teammates and one of the all-time greats.
Johnson played in 143 regular season games (the most by any D-lineman in team history) and is the first Panther to have at least nine sacks in four consecutive seasons (2010-13). He consistently collapsed the pocket and set the edge in the run game.
But back surgery in the spring of 2017 signaled the beginning of the end for his playing career.
"Once you have back surgery, I don't care who you are, it's a beast to get back," Johnson said. "My body was just… I haven't worked out since this winter. I tried to get motivated to work out, and my body said, 'We're not working out right now.' It was about that time."
Now is a time for reflection. And Johnson has lots of fond memories to look back on.
His favorite games? Of course there's the NFC Championship to punch a ticket to Super Bowl 50, but two others stick out. The first was the 2014 NFC Wild Card victory against Arizona, when he posted two sacks to help the Panthers win their first postseason game since 2005. The week prior, after beating Atlanta to take the division, the usually reserved Johnson stood on a table in the victorious visitors' locker room and implored his teammates to not let that be the last win of the year.
The other game he mentioned was the 2012 gut-wrencher in the Georgia Dome. Johnson was unblockable in the game, recording 3.5 sacks. It was his best individual performance. But Carolina lost in the closing seconds after the Falcons completed a 59-yard Hail Mary to set up the winning field goal.
"That was a heartbreaker," Johnson said. "One of the toughest games."
Speaking of Atlanta, we'd be remiss if we didn't discuss the Georgia native's passion for playing the Falcons. Did we make too much of that storyline each year? It sounds like those games meant more to Johnson than we even knew.
"The Atlanta game was the only time my people back home that don't have cable can see me play," Johnson said. "It meant so much to me. I thrived playing against them more than anyone else."
Most memorable off-field moment? Johnson's mind immediately took him to the locker room in Seattle before a Sunday night game in 2016.
"A couple hours before we go out, I'm in the room with (Ryan) Kalil and Fernando (Velasco). I'm talking to them, and I get the call that my grandma just passed. I just burst out crying. Kalil and Fernando were there to console me… That was a hard game for me."
How does he want to be remembered? "Loyal. Hard-working. A Panther all the way through. The Panthers were all I knew and all I ever wanted to know."
View some of the best photos of Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson throughout his career.
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers (90) points as he and defensive end Charles Johnson (95) walk off the field during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, October 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 30-10 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Doug Martin (22) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95)gestures during player introductions prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Charlotte, NC, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) before an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Sept. 16, 2012. The Panthers won 35-27. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Umpire Roy Ellison (81) moves in to break up Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) and Tennessee Titans' David Stewart (76) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011. Johnson was called for a personal foul, extending a Titans' drive. The Tennessee Titans won 30-3. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) is introduced before an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Josh Freeman (5) throws a pass as Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) defends in an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Josh McCown (12) looks to pass as Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) defends in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) celebrates sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) (not pictured) during an NFL football game in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011. The Panthers won, 16-10. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) is brought down by Carolina Panthers linebacker James Anderson (50), cornerback Chris Gamble (20), and defensive end Charles Johnson (95)during the first half of their NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (13) tries the thorw a pass as Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) defends during the second quarter of the Panthers' 27-23 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. Warner thres for 381 yards and two touchdowns. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, front, loses the ball as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson, back, during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. The Panthers recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson, left, tackles Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 30, 2011. Minnesota won 24-21. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD.
Carolina Panthers practice at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday, December 23, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 14, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 16, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD.
Carolina Panthers against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, December 29, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, October 20, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Levi's Stadium Santa Clara, CA Sunday, February 7, 2016
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 14, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 6, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 6, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 14, 2014.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 6, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panthers play against the Miami Dolphins during week ten of the regular season on Monday, November 13, 2017, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panther against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, September 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers practice on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Atlanta, GA.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 16, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Atlanta, GA.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 16, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 16, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank fo America Stadium on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank fo America Stadium on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank fo America Stadium on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank fo America Stadium on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, December 29, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, December 29, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, November 15, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattel Seahawks on Sunday, October 18, 2015.
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58), Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28), Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95), Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Dwan Edwards (92) express themselves during the NFL NFC Championship playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, January 24, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers won the game 49-15. (AP Photo/Kent Smith)
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 8, 2013.
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) shows his muscle on the line during the NFL NFC Championship playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, January 24, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers won the game 49-15. (AP Photo/Kent Smith)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) rushes the Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the NFL NFC Championship playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, January 24, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers won the game 49-15. (AP Photo/Kent Smith)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) makes a move against Arizona Cardinals tackle Bobby Massie (70) during the NFL NFC Championship playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, January 24, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. The Panthers won the game 49-15. (AP Photo/Kent Smith)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) leads the team in a pre-game rally prior to the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 24-10. (Jim Mahoney via AP).
Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) kisses the George Halas Trophy after the NFC Championship football game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Sunday, January 24, 2016. The Panthers won 49-15 and advance to Super Bowl 50. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship
Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship
Carolina Panthers celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Conference Championship
FILE - In this Feb. 7, 2015, file photo, Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) is shown during a press conference in San Jose, Calif. The Carolina Panthers released longtime defensive end Charles Johnson on Thursday, a move that will save the team $11 million under the 2016 NFL salary cap. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) and defensive end Charles Johnson (95) during warm ups prior to Super Bowl 50 championship football game on Sunday, February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos won the game 24-10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) yells during Super Bowl 50 between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers , Sunday, February 6, 2016, in Santa Clara, CA. The Broncos won 28-10. (Tom Hauck via AP)
