Buddy Johnson Bio
Devodrick “Buddy” Johnson is an American professional football linebacker who is currently a member of the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and listed at 229 pounds, he plays a versatile role on defense and special teams. Johnson entered the league after a standout college career at Texas A&M University, where he developed into one of the most productive tacklers in the Southeastern Conference.
Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Johnson has since built his professional resume across several organizations, including the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, and Dallas Cowboys. His journey from a two-way high school player in Dallas to an NFL linebacker reflects years of steady development and perseverance through practice squad moves and roster changes.
Early Life and Background
Buddy Johnson was born on February 27, 1999, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in the same city where he would later begin his football journey, attending Justin F. Kimball High School. At Kimball, Johnson was a two-way athlete who played both quarterback and outside linebacker, showcasing his rare blend of athleticism and football intelligence from an early age.
During his junior season, Johnson earned second-team All-district honors as a quarterback, demonstrating his passing and leadership ability. As a senior in 2016, he expanded his role on both sides of the ball, leading his team with 472 rushing yards and 446 receiving yards while also adding 268 passing yards. His work at linebacker that same year earned him All-district recognition, signaling the position he would ultimately embrace at the next level.
Path to American Football
Following his senior season at Kimball, Johnson accepted a football scholarship from Texas A&M University, joining the Aggies program for the 2017 season. His transition to the college level was immediate, as he appeared in 12 games as a true freshman and made a quick impact with 20 tackles, one sack, and three quarterback pressures. A standout performance against Louisiana State University, in which he recorded nine tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, helped establish his reputation as a defender to watch.
As he progressed through the Texas A&M program, Johnson grew into one of the team’s defensive leaders. By the time he completed his senior season in 2020, he had appeared in 47 games and amassed 210 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, five passes defensed, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception. His consistency and production over four seasons earned him an invitation to the NFL, where the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Buddy Johnson Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Johnson began his professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing a four-year rookie contract on May 18, 2021. As a rookie, he appeared in four games, playing primarily on special teams, and finished the year with two special teams tackles. He spent his first offseason with the Steelers preparing for a larger role before being waived on August 30, 2022.
Shortly after his release, Johnson signed with the practice squad of the San Francisco 49ers on September 5, 2022. He was released by San Francisco on October 18, 2022, and then joined the Houston Texans’ practice squad on November 1, 2022. The 2022 season was defined by movement between organizations, as Johnson worked to prove his value on special teams and adapt to multiple defensive schemes.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2023–2025)
After a brief stint with the Chicago Bears in 2023, Johnson signed with the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad on October 24, 2023. He was elevated for two games and made his postseason debut on special teams in a Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers. He finished the year with two special teams tackles and two defensive tackles, showing the kind of versatility that has defined his professional career.
In January 2024, Johnson signed a reserve/future contract with Dallas and gradually earned a more consistent role. Although he was declared inactive for the first three games of the 2024 season, he appeared in each of the final 14 contests, playing primarily on special teams. He set a career high with eight special teams tackles that season, including a career-best three against the Atlanta Falcons. On August 26, 2025, he was released as part of final roster cuts before being re-signed to the practice squad the following day.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2025–Present)
On September 30, 2025, Johnson was signed by the Indianapolis Colts off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad, joining his sixth NFL organization. The move to Indianapolis marked a fresh opportunity for the linebacker to compete for a depth role on defense and continue his reliable work on special teams. His experience across multiple schemes has positioned him as a versatile contributor in the Colts’ linebacker room.
As of the 2025 season, Johnson continues to build on his journeyman path, seeking to carve out a longer-term role with the Colts. His track record of resilience, combined with consistent special teams production, has helped him remain active in the league since his 2021 draft selection.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Johnson’s professional career came during the 2023 postseason, when he made his playoff debut on special teams in a Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. He also set personal bests during the 2024 regular season, recording a career-high eight special teams tackles, including three in a single game against the Atlanta Falcons. These performances underscored his value as a core special teams player and a dependable locker room presence.
Buddy Johnson Career Wins
NFL Highlights
While Buddy Johnson’s role in the NFL has primarily centered on special teams rather than defensive playmaking, he has consistently delivered in his assignments. He has recorded multiple special teams tackles in each of his active NFL seasons, including a career-high eight in 2024 with the Dallas Cowboys. He has also made contributions on defense when called upon, tallying tackles in elevated and reserve roles throughout his career.
Buddy Johnson Family
Personal Life
Buddy Johnson was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where he attended Justin F. Kimball High School and developed into a multi-sport athlete. His path from a local Dallas high school to a multi-year NFL career has kept him closely connected to his hometown roots. Beyond his playing career, he maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares updates about his journey in professional football.
2025 Season Performance
Johnson’s 2025 season began with the Dallas Cowboys, where he was released as part of final roster cuts in late August before being re-signed to the practice squad. His time on the Cowboys’ practice squad was brief, as the Indianapolis Colts signed him off the Dallas practice squad on September 30, 2025, giving him a new opportunity to compete.
With the Colts, Johnson has continued to serve as a depth linebacker and special teams contributor. His experience playing within multiple defensive systems since 2021 has allowed him to integrate quickly and provide reliable production in his assigned roles. The 2025 campaign represents another chapter in a professional journey defined by perseverance and adaptability.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s focus remains on solidifying his role within the Colts organization and continuing to contribute on special teams. His track record of consistent tackling and team-first play suggests that he will remain a valuable depth piece in Indianapolis for the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond.