ABILENE – Ove Johansson, whose 69-yard field goal at Abilene Christian University's Homecoming in 1976 set a world record that still stands 47 years later, died Sept. 30, 2023, in Amarillo, Texas. He was 75.
A Celebration of Life service for the 1977 ACU graduate is planned for Thursday, Oct. 12, at 10 a.m. at Central Church of Christ in Amarillo.
Johansson, who was inducted to the ACU Sports Hall of Fame's Centennial Class in 2006, played just one season at Abilene Christian after helping Davis & Elkins College to the 1974 NAIA men's soccer national championship match. He was a senior walk-on in only his sixth American football game when he booted the record field goal in the Wildcats' 17-0 shutout of East Texas State (now Texas A&M University-Commerce) on Oct 16.
In 1977, the 29-year-old native of Sweden was the second oldest player selected in NFL Draft history when the Houston Oilers chose him in the 12th round. His short pro career involved time with Houston, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. He has been a prominent business leader in Amarillo and a popular motivational speaker.
Read more about Johansson's life and career
here.
