Tyrell Johnson ( American football ) Marcellous " Tyrell " Johnson ( born May 19 , 1985 ) is an American football safety for the Detroit Lions . He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft . He played college football at Arkansas State . Johnson has also been a member of the Miami Dolphins . Early years . Johnson played high school football at Rison High School in Rison , Arkansas , competing at both running back and defensive back . As a senior in 2002 he earned All - State and All - Conference honors despite playing with a high ankle sprain . He also helped his team finish with a perfect regular - season record and win the 8AA Conference title . As a sophomore in 2000 he had helped Rison High School win the state football championship with a victory over Shiloh Christian which was coached by Gus Malzahn . Johnson finished his career with three interceptions , 2 , 725 rushing yards , and 49 touchdowns . He also ran track and played basketball , starting on his high school ' s state playoff basketball team in 2000 . College career . Johnson played college football at Arkansas State . After being redshirted during his freshman year in 2003 , he became a starter in 2004 and never lost his job . During his freshman season he earned Freshman All - American and second - team All - Sun Belt Conference honors . During his sophomore year he led the team in tackles with 112 and earned All - Sun Belt Conference first - team recognition . During his junior year in 2006 he earned first - team All - Sun Belt Conference for the second straight year after recording 63 tackles and an interception . His best season came in 2007 as he earned third - team All - American , first - team All - Sun Belt Conference and was the leagues Defensive Player of the Year after recording 94 tackles and six interceptions . He finished his career playing in 46 games , starting all of them , with a Sun Belt Conference record 363 tackles , 13 interceptions , and four forced fumbles . He also holds the conferences records for interception return yards in a season with 142 in 2007 and tackles in a game with 25 in 2005 . Professional career . Minnesota Vikings . When Johnson was available in the second round , the Vikings gave up their fourth - round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles and got their fifth - round pick for the rights to move up from the 47th overall pick to 43rd overall pick in the second round . On October 6 , 2008 , Johnson made his first career interception against New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees . He finished his rookie season starting 7 of 16 games , recording 31 tackles and an interception . The next season , he became the starter at the strong safety position . Johnson started and played in 15 games where he recorded 57 tackles and another interception . This interception was made in the end zone against the St . Louis Rams who were on the Vikings 9 yard line before Johnson killed their long drive . Johnson ' s 2011 season was cut short , as he was placed on injured reserve on November 29 , 2011 . Miami Dolphins . Johnson signed with the Miami Dolphins on April 5 , 2012 . He was released during the preseason on August 25 , 2012 . Personal . Johnson ' s father , Alvin Robertson , played 10 years in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs , Milwaukee Bucks , Detroit Pistons , and Toronto Raptors His mother , Patricia , ran track for the University of Arkansas .