Keyshawn Johnson's dreams of a football career began as a ball boy for the University of Southern California Trojan Football program; for seven years he worked as a ball boy, hoping one day that he would be able to attend the university. He never dreamed he would grow up to be one of the most beloved and popular USC Trojan athletes of the decade. He graduated from USC with a degree in history in 1996. He was drafted the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January, 2003. In March 2004, the Dallas Cowboys acquired one of the NFL's most complete players. In March, 2006, Keyshawn was traded to the Carolina Panthers. He is known as a simultaneous threat on the field, as both a play making receiver and a tenacious blocker. He has taken on a veteran leadership role with the Dallas Cowboys, sharing his knowledge of Cowboys Coach Bill Parcells' system and philosophy.
Mr. Johnson founded Key's Kids in 1996, which invites disadvantaged youth to follow an academic incentive program, which in turn rewards them with premium game tickets and events throughout the season. His most memorable sports television appearance, amongst many, was his appearance at The Town Hall Meeting on "Racism in Sports", where he sat along side former President Bill Clinton in a nationally televised forum. He oversees The Keyshawn Johnson Education Foundation, which administers college scholarships for college bound youth. The entity also generously supports initiatives dedicated toward the health and well being of youth trying to obtain their dreams of becoming prosperous, successful individuals. He has also been involved in activities for the Starlight Foundation, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, Multiple Sclerosis Association, United Cerebral Palsy, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Covenant House, "Growing Up CEO", Young Vote Initiative of America, The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), The Make A Wish Foundation, and the NFL Jr. Player Development League. He was recently named Dallas Cowboys NFL Man of the Year - 2005, for his generous community outreach towards the communities of Dallas-Ft. Worth. Stretching his creative side, Johnson penned a few best-selling books, "Just Give Me the Damn Ball!" and "First Down to Touch Down", which is fitness book based on the premise of physical and mental stability - necessary components to succeeding in sports and in life.
Keyshawn Johnson personifies the positive ability to persevere and win, both on the field and off. He is committed to making profound contributions to the business community and to the community at large. He thrives on being directly involved in projects that affect people's lives, their quality of life, and the communities in which they live and learn. He has not only become one of the most coveted NFL receivers of our time, he has also evolved into an astute and enterprising business man, a visionary, and a community leader. He is "hands on" both on and off the field. He resides permanently in Dallas, Texas, with his family, while spending much time in his home state of California.
Mr. Johnson is also an astute businessman and entrepreneur. His many professional accomplishments can be found on the business web site, www.firstpicksmgmt.com.