Former Steelers wide receiver Charles Johnson has passed away at age 50. Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Former NFL WR Charles Johnson passes away at age 50

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated Jul 20, 2022 3:05 PM ET

Former NFL wide receiver and first-round draft selection Charles Johnson reportedly passed away on Tuesday. He was 50 years old.

Johnson's death was announced by Heritage High School in Wake Forest, S.C., where he was working as the assistant athletic director.

Former #Steelers WR Charles Johnson died Tuesday. A first-round pick out of Colorado, he was an assistant coach under former Steelers CB Dewayne Washington at Heritage High School in North Carolina. Former Steelers RB Willie Parker and WR Tory Holt were also assistants. RIP
— Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) July 20, 2022

Johnson was best known for his time playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which drafted him with the 17th overall pick in 1994. He totaled 247 receptions for 3,400 yards and 15 touchdown catches in five seasons played in Steel City. He also made stops in Philadelphia, Buffalo and New England, being part of the Patriots' Super Bowl-winning team in 2001. He ended his NFL career with 354 catches for 4,606 yards and 24 touchdowns in 133 games.

Prior to his NFL career, Johnson played college ball for Colorado where he tallied 1,149 receiving yards and five touchdowns as a junior and 1,082 receiving yards and nine touchdowns as a senior.

RIP Coach. You will be missed by so many, especially your Husky Family. #RIPCJ #HuskyFamily pic.twitter.com/JUfkjELMMB
— Heritage Huskies (@heritagehsfball) July 19, 2022