Charley Johnson, a celebrated figure in New Mexico State University (NM State) football history and a member of the Aggies’ Ring of Honor, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, at the age of 85.
Born in Big Spring, Texas, Johnson was instrumental in leading NM State during its most successful period. Between 1959 and 1960, he guided the Aggies to 19 victories, including consecutive wins in the Sun Bowl—a feat unmatched in the school’s history. Johnson remains the only player in Sun Bowl history to be named Most Valuable Player in back-to-back seasons.
In his first season with the Aggies, Johnson led the nation with 18 touchdown passes, outpacing all other quarterbacks by at least five touchdowns. Over his collegiate career, he completed 214 passes for 2,960 yards and threw 31 touchdowns, maintaining a 53.8% completion rate. His exceptional performance earned him induction into the US Bank/NM State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1970, and his jersey number—33—is one of only two retired by NM State.
After college, Johnson was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 109th pick in the 1960 NFL Draft and by the San Diego Chargers with the 64th pick in the 1961 AFL Draft. Choosing to play for the Cardinals, he became their primary starter from 1962 to 1966. In 1963, he was selected for the NFL Pro Bowl after throwing for 3,280 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Johnson’s professional career spanned 15 years, during which he played for the Cardinals (1961–1969), the Houston Oilers (1970–1971), and the Denver Broncos (1972–1975). While with the Broncos, he led the team to its first winning season in 1973 and was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1986. He retired with 1,737 completions, 24,410 passing yards, and 170 touchdowns over 165 games.
Beyond football, Johnson was dedicated to academics and service. He earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering. While still playing professionally, he served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve and worked for NASA during active duty from 1967 to 1969.
Returning to NM State after his playing days, Johnson served as the head of the chemical engineering department from 2000 to 2004. In the spring of 2010, he briefly took on the role of interim head coach for the Aggie football team. Known for his generosity and dedication, he was a long-time supporter of Aggie Athletics and made significant contributions to various university programs, including the establishment of the Warren B. Woodson Endowed Fund for Athletics.
Johnson was inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, further solidifying his legacy. His life and career stand as a testament to excellence in athletics, academics, and community service.
Johnson and his late spouse, Barbara, whom he met at NMSU, enjoyed 62 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children and multiple grandchildren.