Former Badger center Al Johnson was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (No. 38 overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft on Saturday.

Johnson, a 2002 Rimington Trophy finalist as the nation's top center, was a second-team All-Big Ten selection last season.

'I'm happy,' Johnson said. 'I am going to play for a coach (Bill Parcells) who has won pretty much everywhere he has been. I am happy to go in the top 40, happy to go play for a proven coach and see what I can do. I 'll try to crack the starting lineup but, more importantly, I'll be trying to just get my feet wet and learn from the veterans.'

Johnson is the fifth offensive lineman of the Alvarez era to be chosen in the first or second round of the NFL Draft (others include Cory Raymer, 2nd round in 1995; Jerry Wunsch, 2nd round in 1997; Aaron Gibson, 1st round in 1999 and Chris McIntosh, 1st round in 2000).

The 2003 NFL Draft concludes on Sunday with rounds 4-7.