Cade Johnson Bio
Cade Johnson is an American professional football wide receiver for the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at South Dakota State University. Johnson grew up in Papillion, Nebraska, and attended Bellevue West High School, where he excelled as a star athlete, earning All-State honors in his senior year. After redshirting his freshman year at South Dakota State, he quickly made a mark, leading his team in receptions and touchdowns, and was recognized with numerous accolades including All-American honors.
Early Life and Background
Cade Johnson was born on April 10, 1998, in Papillion, Nebraska. He attended Bellevue West High School, where he established himself as a standout football player. During his senior year, Johnson caught 43 passes for 1,061 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, which earned him first-team All-State honors. His impressive performance in high school laid the foundation for his future in football.
Path to American Football
After high school, Cade Johnson joined the South Dakota State Jackrabbits football team. He redshirted his true freshman season, but as a redshirt freshman, he made significant contributions, catching 23 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned 30 kickoffs for a school-record 839 yards with two touchdowns, earning a spot on the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) All-Newcomer team. Johnson’s talent continued to shine as he led the Jackrabbits with 67 receptions for 1,332 yards and set a single-season school record with 17 touchdown catches in his redshirt sophomore season, which earned him first-team All-MVFC honors.
Cade Johnson Career
Early Career (2021-2023)
Cade Johnson signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2021. He faced challenges early in his professional career, being waived and re-signed multiple times. Despite these setbacks, he made his NFL debut in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams, where he caught his first two career passes for 21 yards. Johnson signed a reserve/future contract with the Seahawks on January 17, 2023, but was waived again on August 29, 2023.
Breakthrough (2025-Present)
On December 19, 2024, Cade Johnson signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). This move marked a new chapter in his career as he aimed to establish himself in a new league. Johnson’s journey from college football to the professional arena reflects his resilience and determination to succeed in American football.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cade Johnson’s notable achievements include being named a first-team FCS All-American in 2019 and earning first-team All-MVFC honors in both 2018 and 2019. His performance at South Dakota State University and his subsequent transition to the professional level highlight his growth as an athlete.
Cade Johnson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Cade Johnson has received recognition for his outstanding performance on the field, including multiple All-MVFC nominations and All-American honors during his college career.
Cade Johnson Awards Won
Cade Johnson’s accolades include being named a first-team FCS All-American in 2019 and receiving first-team All-MVFC honors in 2018 and 2019. These awards underscore his talent and contributions to his teams during his college football career.
Cade Johnson Family
Cade Johnson’s family has a strong football background. His father, Clester Johnson, played college football at the University of Nebraska and was part of the team’s National Championship-winning squads in 1994 and 1995. Cade’s older brother, C.J., played wide receiver at the University of Wyoming, while his younger brother, Keagan, is a wide receiver for Kansas State University, having previously played at the University of Iowa.
Personal Life
Cade Johnson maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on his football career. His family’s involvement in football has played a significant role in shaping his passion for the sport. As he continues his career with the Birmingham Stallions, Johnson aims to build on his achievements and contribute to his team’s success.
