Manuel, or Manny, Johnson began his playing career in Texas at Gilmer High where he served as the team’s quarterback and occasionally at the wide receiver position. He scored 83 touchdowns (17 receiving, 18 rushing, 48 passing) in his four years at Gilmer. Upon graduation, Johnson was rated the 13th best receiver in the country after earning MVP of his District, MVP of East Texas and the Dave Campbell player of the year award, all in 2004. Johnson then went on to play college football at the University of Oklahoma where he tallied 1,710 career yards on 119 receptions and scored 17 touchdowns. During his senior year, he helped lead the Sooners to the National Championship game. Johnson was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Johnson remains with the Cowboys presently and is serving on the team’s practice squad.