Former Browns LB Eddie Johnson loses battle with cancer

Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Former Cleveland Browns linebacker Eddie Johnson died Tuesday night at the age of 43 after a two-year battle with colon cancer.

Johnson, whose hard hits earned him the nickname "The Assassin," played in Cleveland from 1981-90 after being drafted in the seventh round out of Louisville.

The 6-foot, 225-pound linebacker led the Browns in tackles in 1984 with 172 and he started 59 of 60 games played between the 1984 and 1988 campaigns.

Johnson became a minister in 1993.

01/22 01:21:40 ET