ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Monday signed linebacker A.J. Johnson and released linebacker Stansly Maponga, President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway announced.
Johnson (6-2, 243 pounds) is a rookie who was a three-time All-Southeastern Conference selection at the University of Tennessee from 2011-14. The second all-time leading tackler in Tennessee history (425 tackles w/218 solo), Johnson played 46 career games for the Volunteers and added 30.5 career tackles for a loss, three sacks, one interception, 11 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
Johnson led Tennessee with 100-plus tackles in each of his final three seasons while posting 23 career double-digit tackle games. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2013 in addition to picking up second-team accolades in 2012 and honorable mention recognition in 2014. He received freshman All-America honors for the Volunteers in 2011.
Johnson attended Gainesville (Ga.) High School and was born on Dec. 24, 1991. He will wear No. 62.
STATEMENT FROM BRONCOS PRESIDENT OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS/GENERAL MANAGER JOHN ELWAY
"A.J. hasn't had the opportunity to play football for the last three years while resolving a serious legal matter. We've had several conversations with him since he's been cleared and have become very familiar with his background and character. Our organization is confident A.J. is ready to move forward and resume his playing career."
