Career
When Essendon were short of players for their match against Collingwood at Victoria Park in Round 11 of the 1900 VFL season, due to an injury crisis, Johns was one of several people called up at the last minute. Four were players from the reserves, another was club secretary Bill Crebbin and then Johns, described by the The Argus as a "supporter of the team", was brought into the side. Johns, aged 33, managed to kick two of Essendon"s four goals, in a 21-point loss.
Johns worked at Essendon as a trainer, until his death on 28 December 1913, when he drowned while on holiday in Sorrento after suffering cramp.