David Johnson (running back)
An NFL running back whose 2016 season was a fireworks display of all-purpose yardage, redefining the dual-threat potential of the position.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American football player·Birthday: December 16·Millennials
Biography
David Johnson arrived in the NFL from Northern Iowa, a third-round pick with more questions than hype. The Arizona Cardinals, however, saw a unique weapon: a 6'1", 225-pound back with the soft hands of a wide receiver. His breakout 2016 season was nothing short of sensational. Johnson didn't just run the ball; he dominated the entire field, leading the league in total yards from scrimmage and scoring 20 touchdowns. He became the first player in over a decade to record over 100 yards from scrimmage in each of his first 15 games, a display of week-in, week-out dominance that earned him All-Pro honors. Injuries later disrupted his trajectory, but at his peak, Johnson was a matchup nightmare, forcing defenses to account for him on every down, whether taking a handoff or lining up in the slot. His style paved the way for a new archetype of oversized, versatile backs in modern offenses.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
David was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the NFL in total yards from scrimmage (2,118) and touchdowns (20) during the 2016 season.
- Earned First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections in 2016 for his historic all-purpose performance.
- Set a Cardinals franchise record with 15 consecutive games with 100+ scrimmage yards in the 2016 season.
Did You Know?
He played wide receiver for his first two collegiate seasons at Northern Iowa before switching to running back.
He and his wife have a son named D.J., whose initials stand for David Johnson Jr.
He was a state champion high jumper in high school in Iowa.
“My job is to get the ball into the end zone, by any means.”
