Randy Johnson, the first starting quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, was found dead last Thursday in Brevard, N.C., according to the Brevard Police Department.

Johnson, who was living in a cottage in Brevard, died of natural causes, according to the police. They were notified about the body by the landlord.

Johnson, 65, was estranged from his former teammates and family and police are still looking to locate his next of kin.

One of two first-round picks of the Falcons in 1966 (along with Tommy Nobis), Johnson played in Atlanta from 1966-70 before going on to play with the New York Giants, Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers. He also played a season with the Hawaiians in the World Football League.

Johnson lived in Snellville for a while after retirement before moving to Florida, in the Naples area. He later moved to Brevard.

"He was a nice man," Former Falcon Jeff Van Note said. "I admired his toughness."

If anyone has information that would help the Brevard Police contact Johnson's next of kin, they can call Lt. Steve Woodson at 828-883-2411.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Cornerback Keith Taylor was signed to the practice squad by the Falcons on Tuesday. (Atlanta Falcons Twitter)

Credit: Atlanta Falcons Twitter

Featured

Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

Credit: NYT