LANCASTER, Pa. (July 27, 2026) – D2Football.com founder Brandon Misenser announced his All-Quarter Century Team this month, including all players dating back to the website's launch back in 2000. North Alabama legend Michael Johnson was included as a first team selection.
Johnson played at UNA from 2006-09 and was a four-year starter at linebacker for the Lions. He was a four-time All-Gulf South Conference, four time All-Super Region 2 and a two time All-American selection.
Following a stellar career, Johnson went on to a stint in the NFL that included stops with the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson was inducted into the UNA Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021 and joined the coaching staff at his alma mater in 2025.
"We are so thrilled to see Mike get this accomplishment that he deserves," said UNA head coach
Brent Dearmon. "Mike was an amazing player on the field, and he's grown into a great coach and elite leader for UNA now."
Johnson is the only North Alabama player on the list. However, he is one of 39 all-time D2Football.com All-American selections from the Lions.
Johnson joins elite company on the All-Quarter Century team that includes names such as Adam Thielen, Danny Woodhead, Malcolm Butler, Drayton Florence, Matt Judon, Greg Zuerlein, Joique Bell and Kenny Moore II, among others.
"I'm truly honored to be a part of such an incredible group of athletes," said Johnson. "To represent my family, my university and my teammates is truly something special — and I don't take it lightly. Roar Lions!"
Chosen first-team All-American by Daktronics and second-team by D2football.com as a junior in 2008, Johnson followed with first-team All-American selections by Daktronics, D2Football.com, Football Gazette and the Associated Press as a senior in 2009. He was also voted National Defensive Player of the Year by Daktronics and D2Football.com, in addition to being named the GSC Defensive Player of the Year.
Johnson was part of a UNA senior class that had a combined 44-7 overall record to rank as third winningest senior class in school history. The Class of 2009 was ranked nationally in the Top 11 for 54 straight weeks, or every week that they were part of the UNA program. The Lions had four straight seasons with 10 or more wins and made four straight NCAA playoff appearances.
As a junior in 2008, he helped lead UNA to a 12-2 record and to the semifinals of the Division II playoffs. He led the Lions in tackles with 84 and added two interceptions. He also returned an interception 77 yards for a touchdown against Delta State in an NCAA playoff game.
As a senior in 2009, Johnson was an All-GSC pick for the fourth straight year, an all-region selection for the fourth time and led the team with 113 tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss and five sacks. He added two interceptions for 23 yards, caused four fumbles and recovered two, while helping lead UNA to an 11-2 record, a GSC Championship and a spot in the quarterfinals of the playoffs.
Johnson finished his career with 365 total tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.
To view the full list,
click here.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
