Mizzou Football held a special ceremony Wednesday evening to dedicate the newly named Demetrious Johnson Tiger Lounge, honoring the late football standout and beloved community activist. The lounge, made possible through a generous gift from Tim and Barb Wies, is located on the fourth floor of the Tigers’ football building and offers players and staff a welcoming space to relax and connect.
Complete with couches, televisions, workspaces, and a ping pong table, the lounge pays tribute to Johnson’s legacy—both on and off the field.
Demetrious “DJ” Johnson, who passed away in December 2022 at the age of 61, left a deep and lasting impact on the University of Missouri and the greater St. Louis community. From humble beginnings in the Darst-Webbe Public Housing Project, Johnson rose to become a two-time All-Big Eight defensive back and team leader during his four-year career at Mizzou (1979–82), helping the Tigers to three consecutive bowl appearances.
“DJ was instrumental in the success that we’ve had here at Mizzou,” said assistant coach Curtis Luper, recalling the first time he met Johnson during a recruiting trip to St. Louis. “He was there with us from the beginning all the way to 2022 and his untimely passing.”
Johnson’s contributions extended well beyond the gridiron. He was a passionate community advocate, founding the Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation in 1993 to support underprivileged youth and families in St. Louis. His foundation became a pillar of community support, especially during the holiday season with food and toy drives that reached thousands.
“DJ’s legacy lives on through his charitable foundation and the countless lives he touched,” said former teammate Jeff Smith. “He was a cheerful giver with an unexplainable passion and competitive drive—dedicated to excellence in everything from football to community service.”
Johnson’s daughters, Taylore and Alexandria, reflected on the significance of the honor. “My dad truly loved Mizzou,” Taylore said. “It gave him the opportunity to hone his skills, develop discipline, and learn the game of life. That led to his life’s purpose—giving back.”
Alexandria added, “Mizzou was his life. It didn’t just give him football—it gave him tools to be a leader, an activist, and a father. So much of what made him who he was started right here.”
After being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1983, Johnson spent five seasons in the NFL, where he led the Lions in tackles during the 1985 season and played one year with the Miami Dolphins. Following football, he remained deeply involved in media, mentorship, and advocacy—serving as NIL agent to Luther Burden III and offering guidance to generations of Mizzou athletes.
Johnson was married to his high school sweetheart, Pat, for 36 years and was the proud father of six children. He was posthumously inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
The Demetrious Johnson Tiger Lounge stands as a lasting symbol of his remarkable legacy and a daily reminder to Mizzou athletes of the values he embodied: perseverance, service, and excellence.
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