Johnson was born on 27 July 1939 in
Botaw. The family moved to
Monrovia, and he began playing football for Youth Leaders. He then moved to Connections, where he made his international debut in 1958. He then moved to Barrolle in 1959, staying there until 1971, when he began his coaching career. During his time with Barolle he trained with and worked for the
Special Security Service, the Presidential security team. He trained as a coach in
West Germany, and then became head coach of the national team. He was replaced as head coach by German
Bert Trautmann in 1978. Johnson remained with the national team set-up to assist Trautmann. In the 1980s he moved into football administration, and also served as
Deputy Minister of Sports. ==Personal life==