Keyshawn Johnson, the No. 1 pick in the 1996 NFL Draft, revisits his legendary draft party held at the House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard. Planned as early as February, Johnson says he knew he was going number one and wanted the night to reflect that.
The event became standing-room-only and attracted major names including Deion Sanders, Death Row Records artists like Tupac, Suge Knight, MC Hammer, and Coolio — who had recently won a Grammy. Snoop Dogg was also mentioned. Outside, an estimated 2,000 people lined the street, shutting down parts of Sunset Blvd.
Deion Sanders, uninvited, flew in during baseball season and pulled Johnson aside for advice. “He just wanted to be a big brother,” Johnson explained, noting they’ve remained connected since.
After the party, Johnson secured an entire hotel floor across the street, kept the afterparty going, drank heavily, and still showed up the next day to take a midterm exam at USC.
Johnson emphasized that while others may have had better NFL careers, it was due to circumstances. He played with 17 different quarterbacks in 11 seasons, which affected consistency. Still, he insisted that no one in college football was better than him at the time.
Following his Super Bowl win with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Johnson celebrated at the W Hotel in San Diego. After that, he helicoptered to L.A., missed the official team celebration with fans, and instead appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
He later returned to Tampa, having celebrated for a full week.
To ensure his family and close ones attended the Super Bowl, Johnson said he acquired over 100 tickets, often paying teammates like practice squad players cash on the plane to collect physical tickets early. He wanted to make sure everyone who supported him was present.
Winning the Super Bowl felt important because he had already won at the high school and college levels. Johnson didn’t want to be remembered as someone who played well but never won a championship. He said he was already considering retiring around that time and that winning a ring validated his career. He also noted getting “the bag” multiple times.
More than football, Johnson says his main goal was helping his family — specifically, to move them out of a cramped 700-square-foot apartment with six kids. He made it clear that this was his primary motivation.
He acknowledged that people might say he didn’t live up to expectations, but stated plainly: he doesn’t care what others say. He emphasized that he got the degree, the money, and the Super Bowl, and that no one can say he didn’t accomplish what he was supposed to.
Reacting to Aaron Rodgers’ statement on the Pat McAfee Show that this may be his final NFL season, Johnson shared:
- If the Steelers don’t reach the AFC Championship, it’s likely Rodgers’ final year.
- He said making the playoffs alone isn’t enough, especially under Mike Tomlin, who always maintains a winning record.
- Johnson reflected that Rodgers had the potential to be the greatest of all time, particularly because of his arm talent, but only winning one Super Bowl changed that perception.
- He described Rodgers’ recent behavior as “weird,” mentioning his control over team decisions and unusual practices like darkness retreats.
- Johnson believes Rodgers may succeed under Mike Tomlin’s leadership, provided he relinquishes control and follows direction.
Johnson says he doesn’t push his narrative or seek validation. His main accomplishment remains helping his family. He remains content with what he’s achieved: the degree, the contracts, and the Super Bowl ring — all on his terms.
