Keyshawn Johnson's football career began with a promising start when he was selected as the first overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. A wide receiver with a commanding presence on the field, Johnson quickly became known for his physical style of play and ability to make crucial catches. His rookie season set the tone for his career, as he recorded 63 receptions for 844 yards and eight touchdowns, earning him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.

Johnson's tenure with the Jets was marked by his role as a primary target in the team's passing game. Over four seasons, he amassed over 4,000 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns. His performance in the 1998 season was particularly noteworthy, as he helped lead the Jets to the AFC Championship Game, where they fell to the Denver Broncos. That year, Johnson caught 83 passes for 1,131 yards and ten touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.

In 2000, Johnson was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for two first-round draft picks. This move reunited him with his former college coach, Jon Gruden, and placed him in a new offensive system. Johnson continued to excel, becoming a vital part of the Buccaneers' offense. His first season in Tampa Bay saw him catch 71 passes for 874 yards and eight touchdowns. The following year, he improved his numbers with 106 receptions for 1,266 yards and one touchdown, earning another Pro Bowl nod.

The pinnacle of Johnson's career came in the 2002 season when he played a crucial role in the Buccaneers' Super Bowl XXXVII victory over the Oakland Raiders. Although he did not score a touchdown in the game, his contributions throughout the season were instrumental in the team's success. Johnson finished the year with 76 receptions for 1,088 yards and five touchdowns.

After the 2003 season, Johnson's relationship with the Buccaneers soured, leading to his deactivation for the final six games of the season. In 2004, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he reunited with former Jets coach Bill Parcells. Johnson's time with the Cowboys was marked by consistent performance, as he recorded over 70 receptions and 800 receiving yards in each of his two seasons with the team.

In 2006, Johnson signed with the Carolina Panthers, where he played his final NFL season. He caught 70 passes for 815 yards and four touchdowns, providing veteran leadership to the Panthers' receiving corps. After being released by the Panthers in 2007, Johnson announced his retirement from professional football.

Throughout his career, Keyshawn Johnson was known for his outspoken personality and confidence on and off the field.

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