Super Bowl champion, University of Oregon HOFer named new President of Blackbears
2 min read
SALEM, Ore — Ahead of its inaugural season, the Oregon Blackbears are announcing the team’s first President and Chief Operating Officer who has experience on the field and in the front office.
The team named Pat Johnson as its President/COO of the Organization on Saturday. Johnson has years of experience leading in various fields like risk management, aerospace and nutraceutical according to a release.
“I am extremely honored and excited to join forces with the Blackbears organization,” Johnson said on the team’s social media post. “This opportunity symbolizes not only my passion for football, but also my desire to empower deserving young men with opportunities at this level of competition. Our mission here is clear: to deliver nothing short of excellence on the field, craft a lively fan experience, enrich the fabric of our community and to deliver an AFL championship to Oregon. From the bottom of my heart, fulfilling this dream of having the opportunity to give back to Oregon in this manner, where my athletic career blossomed brings me immense happiness and humility.”
Johnson is familiar with the region as a University of Oregon graduate. In 2014, he was inducted in the Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame for competing in football and track and field. Johnson was later drafted in the 1998 NFL draft and won a championship with the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV.
The team will open up their regular season at home against division rival Washington Wolfpack. The Blackbears defeated the Wolfpack 24-22 in an exhibition game on April 20 at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center.
About Author
