Homegrown Cowboy: Andrew Johnson Embraces Final Moments in Brown and Gold
- Jeff Bugher
- Nov 29, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
LARAMIE, Wyo. - Andrew Johnson has always carried Wyoming with him. From his days as a standout at Cheyenne Central to becoming the Cowboys’ veteran strong safety.
On Saturday, Johnson will take the field for the final time as a Wyoming Cowboy when the Pokes play in Honolulu. The senior is still processing the magnitude of this final game.
“It was probably the most packed I’ve ever seen it”
Johnson’s senior day run out of the High Altitude Performance Center tunnel last Saturday left an imprint.
“It was very special, very fitting,” he said. “It was probably the most packed I’ve ever seen in the alley. In recent games, they're letting the fans come almost all the way out to the door width. So it's like that little miniature tunnel that you'd run through and see everyone and hear everyone yelling your name. So that was really special and I'm grateful I got to do that one more time.”
Even with the emotion around him, Johnson said he did everything he could to stay locked in.
“Emotion-wise, you try and keep that out of it before the game,” he said. “End of the day, we're still there to go play a football game… you appreciate what's going on and the magnitude of the situation, but yeah, still got to go out and do your best to win a football game.”
Afterwards, the weight of the moment became real.
“That’s something you think about,” he said. “I try not to think of it in a sad way, but more in an appreciative way, having the opportunity to play so many games here and be in front of such great fans in the state of Wyoming over five years.”
A Wyoming kid living the Wyoming dream
Johnson embodied the dream many Wyoming kids have growing up: he played high school football in Cheyenne and then earned a major role on UW’s defense. It’s something he never took for granted.
“It might sound like a cliché, but it’s the dream,” he said. “It’s everything that every kid in Wyoming who played high school football here wants to do. You want to go play for the University of Wyoming… after being here, being a Wyoming Cowboy is everything I could have dreamed of.”
Johnson’s on-field resume backs that up:
34 career games
56 solo tackles
32 assisted tackles
88 total tackles
3 tackles for loss
1 sack
5 passes defended
2 fumble recoveries
Johnson’s father DJ was recognized for his military service on the field last Saturday
During Wyoming’s final home game, Johnson’s father, Darrell “DJ” Johnson, was honored during the second quarter for his military service, a moment that carried deep meaning.
“It was extremely special,” Johnson said. “I did get to see it. It was actually during a defensive timeout, so I was in the huddle with the guys. I was hoping it would be during an offensive timeout and maybe get the chance to go stand next to him. But yeah, very much deserved.”
He extended that respect to all who serve.
“Everyone who served our country, done deployments overseas, and been away from their families for months to years at a time—we need to give them as much recognition as possible.”
His next mission: becoming a fighter pilot
While many players consider a shot at pro football during pro day in the spring, Johnson’s vision has always been pointed skyward.
Johnson already has his private pilot license…he even stars in a commercial for Laramie Regional Airport that played at War Memorial Stadium this year.
“My plan is to go and fly fighters for the Air National Guard,” he said. “I currently have an interview with Tulsa in about two weeks. I’m going to be visiting South Carolina as well… it’s kind of like the whole recruiting process again.”
Johnson spoke with immense pride.
“I come from a legacy service family, both of my grandpas served, my dad obviously served, my uncle,” Johnson said. “I’ve always been drawn to that. I’ve always loved aviation and flying. I truly believe that military aviation, and beyond that being a fighter pilot, is the absolute pinnacle—the highest level of flying. That’s what I want to do. I want to be the best.”
Locked in on Hawaii and the Paniolo Trophy
Last week’s heartbreaking loss ended Wyoming’s chance at playing for bowl contention in Hawaii, but Johnson insists the team is dialed in. Yet, the Paniolo Trophy and pride give the players a lot to play for.
“You have to be focused. There’s no other option,” he said. “Anyone who’s not focused—they’re not going to help us win. We’re going to take the best group of guys… and we’re going to go out with every intention to win this game.”
As for his own emotions heading into his final game?
“You probably have to ask me again after Hawaii,” he said with a calm smile. “Right now, neutral, focused, and just doing everything to win one more.”
Understandable, and something we would expect from a future fighter pilot.
His biggest supporters: Dad, Mom, stepdad, and family
DJ is always on the sidelines at every game, with a fun personality that nearly everyone knows. However, part of his story that rarely gets told is the unwavering support from his mother’s side of the family.
“My mom, my stepdad, and then her parents, her sister, all of them, her brother, all my cousins, they’ve been to every single game throughout the five years,” he said. “They have not missed a game.”
Home or away, they were there.
“My mom, my stepdad, and my dad, they have not missed a single away game either. Having that support system with me - whether we’re in Laramie, Hawaii, Fresno, or down in Texas—has been a tremendous factor to all my success.”
A final message
Johnson’s message to Wyoming fans is simple.
“I’m just appreciative to have been able to play here for the past five years, and hopefully I’ve represented the state of Wyoming well.”
About the Author:
Jeff Bugher is a third-generation Wyomingite living in Casper. He is a sportswriter and Wyoming Cowboys/Cowgirls enthusiast who is a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA ) and the National Sports Media Association (NSMA). Jeff's work has been cited by Sports Illustrated, one of the world's leading sports publications.
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