Daryl Johnston

Daryl Peter Johnston, known by his nickname “Moose”, was born on February 10, 1966, in Youngstown, NY. He established his early athletic prowess at Lewiston-Porter High School, where he was named Western New York Player of the Year in 1983 and awarded the Connolly Cup. His jersey number, 34, was retired in 2006, and he was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. Johnston continued his football career at Syracuse University, playing as a fullback, and in 1988, he earned All-American and All-Big East selections. He graduated with a degree in economics.

Johnston’s professional NFL career began in 1989 when he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round, 39th overall, of the NFL Draft. He quickly became a key player, specifically as a blocking fullback for Emmitt Smith, contributing significantly to the Cowboys’ success. His contributions led the NFL to create a dedicated fullback position in the Pro Bowl, to which Johnston was selected twice, in 1993 and 1994. He played in 149 consecutive games for the Cowboys, accumulating 294 receptions for 2,227 yards and 14 touchdowns, alongside 232 rushes for 753 yards and 8 touchdowns.

After retiring from playing in 1999 due to a neck injury, Johnston transitioned into a successful broadcasting career as a color commentator for NFL games, primarily with Fox Sports since 2001. He has partnered with various play-by-play announcers, including Dick Stockton, Kenny Albert, Kevin Burkhardt, and Chris Myers. Additionally, Johnston has taken on significant executive roles in professional football, serving as General Manager of the San Antonio Commanders in 2018, Director of Player Personnel for the Dallas Renegades in 2019, and Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the USFL (2021-2023). He is currently the Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the United Football League (UFL).