Northwestern alumnus Doug Johnson recently shared several photos of his grandfather, Andrew N. Johnson, who played for Northwestern's football team from 1910 through 1912. It should be noted that the seasons starting with Northwestern's return to varsity football in 1908 through 1915 constitute a period that is often overlooked in the team's history-- having these images brought to the surface is a welcome addition to NU football history.

Andrew N. Johnson lettered for Northwestern football for three seasons, finishing his career as the 180-pound captain of the team in 1912. That season was a tumultuous one: the Purple went 2-3 in the Big Ten, with a 0-0 tie versus Lake Forest to begin the campaign.

However, without Johnson at left end (and sophomore quarterback Wilber Hightower), the season would have been a disaster. Against Lake Forest, Johnson held the line and was instrumental in keeping the Foresters from scoring. After a setback against Wisconsin, NU traveled to Bloomington. Heading into the fourth quarter tied 7-7, Northwestern and Johnson pulled off several trick plays to take the lead. The Hoosiers drove the ball to the NU 5-yard-line, but Johnson's line held again, and Indiana came away from the drive empty-handed. After a loss to Purdue, NU went to Chicago and nearly pulled off an upset, with Johnson's crew coming close to a shutout, but Chicago struck in the first quarter with a series of (still rare) forward passes that put the Maroons in field goal range. Chicago's kick in the first quarter was the only scoring for either team in the game.

Northwestern's 1912 season ended at home, against its chief rival, Illinois, in NU's second-ever homecoming game.  Although Johnson missed the extra point on NU's only touchdown for the day, his defensive work was strong throughout the match, and the Purple held on for a 6-0 victory.

The original photo seen in the Tribune's coverage:
Johnson poses in his team sweater, likely in front
of the old Patten Gym. [Courtesy of Doug Johnson]



The 1912 team posing outside of Northwestern Field.
Johnson is sitting, holding the ball.
[Courtesy of Doug Johnson]



A football program with the same photo, noting each player.
[Courtesy of Doug Johnson]



Newspaper image of the 1912 game vs. Chicago.
[Chicago Examiner]


Another image from the 1912 game at Chicago.
It is likely that one of the two players poised to stop the Maroon ball carrier
is Andrew Johnson.
[Chicago Examiner]


Part of a 1912 montage of NU players.
[Chicago Inter-Ocean]



Another team photo, apparently inside Patten Gym.
Johnson is in the back row, third from the right.
[Courtesy of Doug Johnson]



Coach Hammett
[Courtesy of Doug Johnson]



Another portrait of Johnson from 1912.
[Courtesy of Doug Johnson]