Ervin Johnson, born December 21, 1967, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a retired NBA basketball player and currently a Community Ambassador for the Denver Nuggets. A 6'11", 260-pound center, Johnson attended the University of New Orleans where he was named a third-team All-American and Sun Belt Player of the Year. He finished college fifth in the nation in rebounding and is the school’s all-time leader in rebounds, blocks, and field goal shooting. Johnson was selected 23rd overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1993 NBA Draft. During his 13 year NBA career, he played for the Sonics, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Milwaukee Bucks.

Community service has always been an important part of Johnson’s life and over his career, he was involved with several NBA community initiatives. Most notably, he participated in a USO tour to Kuwait with fellow NBA players Troy Hudson and Mark Madsen in the summer of 2003. His commitment to the community earned Johnson the NBA Community Assist Award in 2003.

Johnson completed his degree at UNO during the 1996-97 NBA season and served as commencement speaker at graduation ceremonies. He also donated $100,000 to the school during that year toward the building of the Ervin Johnson Fitness Center.

He currently resides in Denver with his wife Renee and children, Ezekia and Erin.