Steven Johnson Accepts Invitation To Play In East-West Shrine Game

Jan. 3, 2012

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Recently graduated Kansas linebacker Steven Johnson has recently accepted an invitation to play in the 87th Annual East-West Shrine Game benefitting Shriners Hospitals for Children. Johnson is the 48th player in Kansas history to be invited to compete in the game, which will be played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla, on Saturday, Jan. 21, and will be aired on the NFL Network.

Johnson led the Big 12 Conference and finished the season ranked 16th in the NCAA in tackles with 124 stops in 12 games. Johnson, who earned both second team and third team all-league honors following the season, also finished in the top 25 nationally in solo tackles with 66 on the season. Additionally, the Media, Pa., native finished with 6.0 TFLs for minus 10 yards, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, one interception, one fumble recovery and one quarterback hurry.

Johnson is the fourth Kansas player in the last three seasons to accept an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game. In 2010, three Jayhawks played in the game as Todd Reesing (quarterback), Kerry Meier (wide receiver) and Darrell Stuckey (safety) each played in the game. Three Kansas players also suited up in the all-star contest in 2008 as Marcus Henry (wide receiver), Brandon McAnderson (running back) and James McClinton (defensive tackle) competed in the game.

The East-West Shrine Game, which listed 246 alums on 2011 NFL rosters, is the longest-running all-star college football game, combining great football with a great cause and creating experiences for players that will last a lifetime. Players and coaches involved with the game tour Shriners Hospitals for Children during their week of preparation for the game. Shriners Hospitals for Children was founded in 1872 and specializes in treating orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, burns and cleft lip and palate, for children up to age 18, regardless of their ability to pay.