One of six children, Rafer grew up in Kingsburg, California. In school he excelled in sports and academics. After high school he attended UCLA.

In the 1960 Olympics, Rafer Johnson led the US squad into the stadium in Rome. Johnson won the gold medal for his amazing performance in the decathlon. After retiring from sports after the 1960 Olympics, Johnson went on to movie acting, sports casting and public service. He was elected to the US Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983.