Defensive back Jovon Johnson has been selected as the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player for the 2011 season, becoming the first defensive back in CFL history to receive the honour.

Now in his fourth season with the Blue Bombers, Johnson has proven to be an extremely versatile weapon in the secondary. In just this season alone, Johnson lined up at three different positions in the secondary: corner, halfback and safety and had an outstanding year, leading the league in interceptions with eight while also racking up 55 tackles (good for third on the team) and five pass knockdowns. He also returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns to bring his career total to six, which is good for third-best in CFL history.

Johnson is the first Blue Bomber to lead the league in interceptions since Juran Bolden accomplished the feat in 2000.

This is also the first time a Blue Bomber has been named the league's Most Outstanding Defensive Player since Greg Battle took home the award in 1991.

Johnson beat out Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Jerrell Freeman for the nod.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers take on the BC Lions in the 99th Grey Cup Championship on Sunday.