Johnny Terney Hansen was born in Vejle, and started his career in local top-flight club Vejle Boldklub. He debuted for the Danish national team in September 1965, and instantly commanded a place in the national team starting line-up. Having been named Danish Player of the Year in 1967, he moved abroad to play professionally in 1968. He signed with 1. FC Nürnberg in the top-flight German Bundesliga. As the Danish national team was restricted to amateur players, Hansen was dropped from the national team.
