Report: Ex-Charger, 49er 'Big Hands' Johnson dies at age 57

Published: Aug 04, 2010 at 10:49 AM

Gary "Big Hands" Johnson, who played 11 seasons with the Chargers and San Francisco 49ers, died Wednesday, two weeks after he had a stroke, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Johnson was 57.

Johnson's best seasons came from 1979 to 1982 with the Chargers, whom he played for until 1984. He made the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons and was an All-Pro selection in 1980, when he had 17.5 sacks, and 1981. The Chargers picked him eighth overall in the 1975 draft.

Johnson, a member of the College Football and Chargers halls of fame, died at the LSU Medical Center in his hometown of Shreveport, La.

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