Career
He took over the team from Walter Flanigan after Flanigan decided to refocus all of his time on his insurance and real estate businesses. Once he became owner of the team, Johnson made Vince McCarthy, the team"s back-up quarterback, his new general manager. He also signed the legendary Jim Thorpe to the team in 1924.
After the 1925 season, Johnson moved the team to the rivial American Football League.
Johnson felt that the American Federation of Labor-Congress, which featured Red Grange, would out perform the NFL. He even signed Elmer Layden, one of the legendary Four Horsemen of Notre Dame. However a lack of revenue prevented Johnson from signing and retaining many of his players.
As a result, the Independents franchise folded after the 1926 season.
