Phoenix Tri-Star Show Features Surprise Attendees
and a Return to Arizona for Football Hall of Famer John Henry Johnson
Joe Perry was there. Danny Darwin was there. Tom Candiotti was there. And they weren't even scheduled attendees. The Tri-Star Productions Phoenix show - March 6-8, at the Civic Plaza - attracted several sports stars among its near 6,000 attendees. Perry, a football Hall of Famer, attended with his wife and spent considerable time chatting with former mate John Henry Johnson. Darwin and Candiotti, meanwhile, were shopping with their families, with Darwin focusing on, gulp, Beanie Babies. The show's roster of scheduled signers was headlined by All-Pro tight end Shannon Sharpe of the Super Bowl XXXII Champion Denver Broncos, who personalized photos and was more than willing to pose for pictures. He signed 350 for the public and about 800 in total. Other stars in attendance: Marcus Allen, the all-time rushing touchdown leader, who signed about 700 autographs; NBA Hall of Famer James Worthy; Baseball Hall of Famers Jim Bunning and Earl Weaver; and former football greats Craig Morton and Charley Taylor. Michael Carbajal and Leon Spinks headlined the Legends of The Ring section. Signing free autographs at the show: Ben Grieve, Kerry Wood, John Patterson, Jack Cust, NBA all-star Steve Nash, and Baseball Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers (courtesy of Upper Deck). Plus: World Championship Wrestling (WCW) superstars Diamond Dallas Page and "The Flying Fury" Rey Mysterio, Jr. Tri-Star's next major show is May 23-25 in Dallas. ************************ John Henry Johnson returned in early March. Johnson, a Football Hall of Famer, attended the Tri-Star Productions' Phoenix Collectors Show - March 6-8, at the Civic Center - thus returning to one of his first football memories. Johnson, you see, is a former Arizona State Sun Devil. In fact, he mostly played defense for ASU. "Late in my (college) career, I started playing both ways. And I enjoyed that," Johnson said. "I guess they use you in college, and the pros, where you are needed the most." Well, the 68-year-old former fullback is best known for his pro days, 1954-66, which included stints with San Francisco, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Houston. A punishing runner and impressive blocker during his 13-year career, Johnson finished with 6,803 yards rushing (the fourth-highest total at the time) and 48 touchdowns. He was inducted into the HOF in 1987. "My football memories are of the ups and downs, and the friends that I made; that's probably my biggest, fondest memory," Johnson said. "I played with guys like Joe Perry and Hugh McElhenny, and that was a lot of fun, very memorable. That was a great group." Johnson teamed with Perry, McElhenny and quarterback Y.A. Tittle to comprise the "Million-Dollar Backfield" backfield. "It was an excellent backfield. All of the guys were excellent runners, thus tough for the (opposing) linebackers," Johnson said. "I haven't seen one backfield since that one which has had the kind of talent that we did. We took advantage of whatever the opposing team gave us. "I enjoyed that team; it was a lot of fun. Hey, it's always fun when you're winning." Johnson was traded to Detroit in 1957, then to Pittsburgh in 1960. With the Lions, he played in his only NFL Title Game: a 5-0 loss in Dallas. He played his final season, 1966, for Houston. Johnson played 143 NFL games. He rushed 1,571 times for a 4.3-yard average. Johnson also had 186 career receptions for 1,478 yards and 7 TDs. "I describe myself as a good player; I was an excellent blocker, a good, tough runner. I could catch the ball pretty well. I feel like I could do it all," Johnson said. Who's the John Henry Johnson of 1998? "Wow, I don't know; there are a lot of good backs out there now. In fact, there have been a lot of great backs since I played, such as Leroy Kelly, and so many others. "I just watch the game now; that's really enjoyable for me." Johnson had two 1,000-yard seasons: '62 and '64 with Pittsburgh, the first Steeler to do so. He played in four Pro Bowls. "The good thing about (pro football) now is, they make more money. They make all of the bread," he said before breaking into laughter. "We played, played, played ... and these guys make all of the money. "I couldn't quite say who the best back of all-time is; that's hard to answer, real hard, real tough. There have been so many good ones, like Marion Motley, Joe Perry , Leroy Kelly, etc. "The biggest change that I've noticed is that the guys now, especially the linemen, are bigger and faster. That makes it a little tougher for the backs." Born in Waterproof, La., Johnson worked in the public relations department for Columbia Gas Company after retiring from wrestling. He now lives near Cleveland, where he enjoys the local jazz scene. In fact, he often invites the local performers to his home for dinner. "I don't play any (musical instrument) ... but I wish I did. That's one of my dreams, honest to goodness," Johnson said. Johnson appeared on numerous football cards, including his 1955 Bowman rookie (#42) which now sells for about $45. He has attended numerous shows over the past few years, including the '97 National in Cleveland. "I like the shows; I think they are pretty nice. They give me a chance to see some of the old guys, those who I played with and against," Johnson said. "In most cases, this is the only time I get to see them. I enjoy the shows ... you know, hollering at the old guys, then going out and having a drink after (the show)." Johnson added, "Man, honest to goodness, it really surprises me what they bring me to sign at these shows; it really does surprise me. I don't remember (specifics), but there have been a lot of ... strange things, from shirts to jackets to hats to neck-ties; you-name-it. Shoot, people often also bring (me) things that I've forgotten about, and then I'm surprised when I see them. I often have people ask me to sign pictures that I have never seen before; that's really strange, and that's when I think to myself, 'Where the heck did this come from?' "I like most of my cards. I'm not too sure if I have all of my cards; I'm not even too sure (exactly) how many I have. I'm not much of a collector." Johnson receives his share of fan mail, which he does usually answer. "I tell ya, I get ticked off when I have to go to the post office to mail (back a fans' autograph-request that doesn't include a SASE). I also will tell ya, some of the (writers) want some of the silliest things, things that really surprise me." Johnson does not collect autographs, other from a guest or two who also are at shows with him. His prized autograph is from his hero: Marion Motley. "I like going to the shows because most of the guys have good stories to tell. Sure, some of it is bull, but it's still nice. That's what makes it fun," he said. So, what percent of those tales are true? Maybe 75 percent? "I hope," he answered, smiling. |