Sadly, Gary "Big Hands" Johnson died yesterday of a heart attack. He was 57.I haven't put together a Chargers All-Time Team in awhile, but I'm fairly certain we'd run a 4-3 and Big Hands would start at one of the defensive tackle positions. (I'd probably put Jamal Williams at the other DT spot, though I may keep Jamal in reserve as a NT if we use a 3-4 formation on certain downs.)
"Big Hands" anchored the Bolts defensive line during some of the greatest years in franchise history - the stretch from '79 to '82. Along with Louie Kelcher, Leroy Jones and Fred Dean, the group formed the "Bruise Brothers" in 1980, leading the League in both sacks and general mayhem.
They were one of the more imposing frontlines in the history of the League that's never really talked about.
As Chargers fans we don't often speak of defense - a few of the Seau-Rodney Harrison units excepted - but Big Hands was one of the great ones.
Pour one out for him. And make it a tallboy.
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