Giants and Patriots: NFL Super Bowl History Between Belichick and Johnson

If you were to look up Pepper Johnson and Bill Belichick in the dictionary, their definition would be "Football Genius."

A five-time Super Bowl champion, Johnson is no rookie to the biggest championship game in football. In fact, he has won the world title with both the Giants and the Patriots, respectively.

A product of both Bill Parcell's and Bill Belichick's collective environment, Johnson has formed an esteemed career with these coaches, as well as the two teams.

The former linebacker has won two Super Bowls (XXI and XXV) with Parcells, Belichick and the New York Giants.

After a 12-year career in the NFL and retiring with the New York Jets in 1998, Johnson was hired as an assistant linebackers coach with the New England Patriots during the 2000 season. Johnson would then be promoted to inside linebackers coach the next season, until 2003. He continued to strive in defensive coaching and was named defensive line coach in 2004.

He currently holds the defensive line coach position. In addition, he also helps with strength and conditioning regiments of the offensive line.

Pepper Johnson and Bill Belichick formed a relationship during Johnson's time with Giants. He also joined Coach Belichick again several times (Browns, Jets) during his NFL career.

According to Patriots WEEI.com blogger Christopher Price, when Johnson was asked about the Patriots' defensive line, Johnson stated, "I’m a little more than satisfied [with the play of the defensive line].”

Even so, the New England Patriots defensive corps was 31st overall in the 2011 regular season in total defense.

Not to be outweighed by defensive statistics, it has been a perfect opportunity for Johnson to come aboard and rejoin with Belichick and the New England Patriots.

Johnson has since won three more Super Bowl championships as a coaching staff member (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) for the Patriots. On February 5, 2012, Johnson and Belichick will have a historic opportunity to win a sixth ring, while both have shared their five wins in the same Super Bowl games.

In reference of their relationship, Belichick was interviewed by the New England Sports Network (NESN). He told reporter Jeff Howe, "Pepper has really been a very valuable person for me and for our entire organization." Belichick stated, "He has a good perspective, and he's got a wealth of experience and he's very good at sharing that."