From snap to finish, the most important play in the young life of John Johnson lasted eight seconds. Or about as long as it takes to grab the remote and turn on the TV.



But it was a lifetime in the making. And it unfolded methodically through the eyes of Johnson, the Rams’ talented young safety.



Everything culminated in a remarkable moment during overtime of the NFC Championship Game, when a pass from the Saints’ Drew Brees fell into the waiting arms of Johnson, altering the course of two franchises and stunning millions of fans into anguish, triumph and disbelief.



It was the first high-profile moment for Johnson, who has spent far too many of his 24 years either flying under the radar or overcoming preconceived notions. He wasn’t big enough or fast enough to attract the attention of college scouts. The public high school he attended wasn’t a recruiting hotbed, like most of the private schools in the area. Someone else was always rated...