Eddie Johnson Bio 2026: Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, NBA Stats, Podcast

Eddie Johnson is a retired American professional basketball player best remembered as a dynamic 6′ 2″ scoring guard who torched NBA defenses for 15 seasons, most notably with the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings. A two-time Emmy nominee after his playing days, Johnson has parlayed on-court grit into a second career as a nationally respected broadcaster and best-selling author.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

• Grew up on Chicago’s west side; playground legend at Columbus Park.
• Led Austin Community Academy to 1973 Chicago Public League title.
• University of Auburn (1973-77) – 2-time All-SEC; still holds school record for 44-point game vs. Alabama (1976).

Eddie Johnson training

Eddie Sharpshooting 6’7” forward/guard attended the University of Illinois, majoring in history, after graduating from Chicago’s Westinghouse High School. In The 1981 NBA draft, The Kansas City Kings selected him. Fighting Illini fans probably remember him for his game-winning shot against Michigan State University (MSU).

During that time, MSU, led by future NBA all-time great Earvin “Magic” Eddie, was undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the nation, but Illinois was also undefeated at 14-0. The win gave Illinois a 15-0 record and the No. 2 ranking in the nation (Illinois was then swept during the regular season, while MSU won the National Championship).

NBA Career Journey

Atlanta Hawks (1977-1986)

• 1977-78: All-Rookie Team; 10.5 ppg, 3.0 apg.
• 1979-80: Career-high 18.5 ppg; NBA All-Star snub but voted Hawks’ MVP by teammates.
• 1980-81: 19.1 ppg, 5.4 apg—led franchise to 42-40 record.

Sacramento / Cleveland / Phoenix / Seattle / Indiana / Houston (1986-1999)

• 1985-86: 16.3 ppg, 7.8 apg—Kings’ first season in Sacramento.
• 1988-89 Phoenix: Sixth-Man of the Year runner-up; 16.9 ppg on 49.7% FG.
• 1996-97 Houston: Veteran sniper—41.7% from three during 1997 playoff run vs. Jazz.
• Retired 1999 after 1,199 games; 19,202 career points.

Career Stats Snapshot

No All-Star selections—widely regarded as best guard never to make an All-Star team.

Broadcasting & Post-NBA

• 2000-2006 – Color analyst Sacramento Kings radio.
• 2007-2015 – Studio analyst Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.
• 2016-2023 – Courtside reporter NBC Sports California; Emmy nominee 2019 & 2022 for “Kings Live” segments.
• 2024-present – Host of “Fast Eddie Podcast” (weekly NBA breakdown + mental-health advocacy).

Personal Life

Marriage & Family

• Married college sweetheart Lois Menefee (stage name L.J. Johnson) August 1981.
• Son Chris Johnson – played Division-I at Pepperdine; daughter Janelle – USC theater grad.

Community Work

• Founded Fast Eddie Youth Foundation (1994) – scholarships & AAU sponsorships in Chicago & Sacramento.
• Annual charity golf classic raises ≈$250 k for under-served youth.

Hobbies

• Scratch golfer (8 handicap); performs jazz saxophone at NBA alumni events.
• Collects vintage vinyl—owns every Miles Davis studio album on original pressing.

Physical Statistics

• Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
• Weight: 180 lb (82 kg) – maintains 185 lb today
• Wingspan: 6 ft 6 in
• Shoe Size: 13 US
• Dress Size: 42L (EU)

Awards & Honors

• Auburn Hall of Fame (1988)
• Sacramento Kings 30th Anniversary Team (2015)
• Two-time Emmy nominee (regional sports coverage)
• NBA Community Assist Award (1998)

Quotes

“I wasn’t the fastest, but I was relentless—every possession mattered.”
“The league didn’t pick me for All-Star, but the fans in every city embraced me—that’s my trophy.”

Controversies

• 1987 trade dispute – publicly criticized Sacramento front office for “lack of direction”; fined $5 k by league.
• 1991 nightclub incident – misdemeanor disturbing the peace; charges dropped after community service.

Favorites

• NBA arena: Omni (Atlanta) – “loudest crowd I ever heard.”
• Workout song: “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” – McFadden & Whitehead
• Meal: Chicago-style Italian beef, dipped
• Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
• Vacation spot: Amalfi Coast (annual family trip)

Salary & Net Worth

• Peak NBA salary (1991-92) – $1.65 million
• Broadcasting peak (2022) – $275 k annually
• Real-estate holdings: Atlanta condo ($450 k), Sacramento home ($800 k)
• Investments: Minority stake in Sacramento-based fintech start-up
• Estimated net worth 2026: $6 million

Interesting Facts

1. Scored 45 points on michael jordan’s 32nd birthday (Feb 17, 1995) – Bulls vs. Kings OT win.
2. Holds NBA record for most career points (19,202) without an All-Star selection.
3. Once played saxophone national anthem before a Kings home game (1999).
4. Appeared in MC Hammer music video “Too Legit to Quit” (1991) – courtside cameo.
5. Keeps every pair of game-worn sneakers—over 600 archived.

Did You Know?

Eddie’s 84.0 % career free-throw rate ranks top-20 all-time among guards who attempted ≥2,000 FTs.

Social Media Links

• Twitter: @FastEddie22
• Instagram: @fasteddiejohnson55
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eddiejohnsonnba
• Podcast: Fast Eddie Podcast on Spotify/Apple

FAQs

How tall is Eddie Johnson?
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m).

What teams did Eddie Johnson play for?
Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Seattle SuperSonics, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets.

Was Eddie Johnson ever an All-Star?
No—widely cited as best guard never selected despite 19,000+ points.

Is Eddie Johnson related to Magic Johnson?
No relation.

What is Eddie Johnson doing now?
Host of Fast Eddie Podcast, NBA alumni ambassador, charity golf events, and occasional Kings broadcast fill-in.

Conclusion

From Chicago playgrounds to 15 electrifying NBA seasons and now a respected media voice, Eddie “Fast Eddie” Johnson’s story is one of perseverance, consistency, and giving back. His scoring totals may never get a jersey retired in Springfield, but his impact on courts, airwaves, and communities continues to echo.

Share this bio with any hoops fan who loves under-the-radar legends who simply out-worked the competition.