Cedric Johnson Bio
Cedric Edward Johnson is an American professional football defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 6, 2002, in Mobile, Alabama, he played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels before entering the professional ranks. Johnson was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft and has continued to develop as a pass rusher at the professional level. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 264 pounds, he has built a reputation as a productive edge defender.
Early Life and Background
Cedric Edward Johnson grew up in Mobile, Alabama, where he attended Davidson High School. The Gulf Coast city has long produced notable football talent, and Johnson emerged as one of the area’s most promising defensive prospects during his time with the Davidson Warriors. As a senior, he recorded 56 tackles and 16 sacks, demonstrating the kind of disruptive pass-rushing ability that would later catch the attention of college recruiters across the Southeast.
Following his standout senior season, Johnson committed to the University of Mississippi, choosing the Ole Miss Rebels over other suitors. His decision to remain in the Southeast allowed him to continue developing in a football culture with which he was already familiar. Johnson’s combination of size, athleticism, and production at Davidson positioned him as a developmental prospect with significant upside at the college level.
Path to American Football
Johnson arrived at Ole Miss in 2020 as a true freshman and quickly earned playing time. That first season, he appeared in all 10 games as a linebacker, contributing seven tackles and three sacks while adjusting to the speed and complexity of the Southeastern Conference. The experience gave him an early foundation in tackling fundamentals and pass-rush technique, even as he continued to add strength to his frame.
As a sophomore in 2021, Johnson transitioned to defensive end, a move that aligned with his physical growth and skill set. He started 11 of 13 games that season, finishing with 33 tackles and 6.5 sacks. The following year, he started eight of 11 games in 2022, recording 32 tackles and four sacks. After considering his options following his junior campaign, Johnson elected to return to Ole Miss for his senior season in 2023, where his consistent production earned him an invitation to the 2024 Senior Bowl, a premier showcase for top NFL draft prospects.
Cedric Johnson Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Johnson’s college career at Ole Miss spanned four seasons, during which he steadily increased his role within the Rebels’ defense. His development from a rotational linebacker as a freshman into a starting defensive end by his sophomore year reflected both his physical maturation and his growing understanding of the position. Year after year, he posted consistent tackle numbers while expanding his pass-rushing repertoire.
By the time he completed his senior season, Johnson had established himself as a reliable edge defender with multi-season starting experience. His selection to the 2024 Senior Bowl provided an opportunity to test his skills against some of the nation’s top senior talent, further raising his profile among NFL evaluators. That stage set the foundation for his eventual transition to the professional ranks.
NFL Breakthrough (2024)
Cedric Edward Johnson entered the 2024 NFL draft following his senior campaign at Ole Miss and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round, 214th overall. The selection gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot on a defensive line looking to add depth and pass-rushing potential. He made the team’s roster and began his rookie season in a rotational role.
During his rookie campaign, Johnson appeared in nine games for the Bengals, recording one sack and seven combined tackles. While the statistical totals were modest, his flashes of disruption against both the run and the pass offered a glimpse of the upside that had made him a draft pick. His first NFL season provided valuable experience adapting to the speed, scheme, and physicality of professional football.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2024–Present)
Johnson returned to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2025 season, looking to build on the foundation of his rookie year. He began the season on injured reserve due to a calf injury, a setback that delayed his on-field contributions. After a period of rehabilitation, he was activated on October 31, 2025, ahead of the team’s Week 9 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
His return to the active roster marked a significant moment in his young career, providing him with another opportunity to contribute to the Bengals’ defensive rotation. Through his first two professional seasons, Johnson has accumulated 27 total tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries, according to his career NFL statistics. The Bengals’ investment in his development suggests he remains a part of their long-term plans along the defensive front.
Driving Style and Strengths
Johnson’s game is built on a combination of length, leverage, and motor at the defensive end position. Listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 264 pounds, he has the frame to hold up against the run while possessing the quickness necessary to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His college production, particularly his 6.5 sacks as a sophomore, demonstrated his ability to win one-on-one matchups, while his consistent tackle numbers reflected his discipline against the run.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Johnson’s most notable early career moments was his selection to the 2024 Senior Bowl, an honor reserved for the top senior prospects in college football. His sixth-round selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2024 NFL draft represented another key milestone, as did his activation from injured reserve in late October 2025, which signaled his return to full health and team involvement.
Cedric Johnson Career Wins
As a defensive end in the early stages of his professional career, Cedric Edward Johnson’s statistical production has steadily grown since his college days at Ole Miss. His career NFL totals include 27 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries through the early portion of the 2025 season. While individual award totals are not yet extensive, his consistency and continued development suggest a trajectory of growth.
Other Wins & Performances
At the college level, Johnson was a multi-year starter for the Ole Miss Rebels in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference, posting back-to-back 30-plus tackle seasons in 2021 and 2022. His invitation to the 2024 Senior Bowl served as one of the premier individual honors of his pre-professional career, while his sixth-round draft selection validated his years of consistent production at the collegiate level.
Cedric Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Cedric Edward Johnson’s family background are not widely documented in publicly available sources. He grew up in Mobile, Alabama, a region with a deep football tradition, and attended Davidson High School, where he developed into a top-tier defensive prospect.
Personal Life
Public information about Johnson’s personal life remains limited. He was born Cedric Edward Johnson on September 6, 2002, in Mobile, Alabama, and he continues his professional football career with the Cincinnati Bengals.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has presented both challenges and opportunities for Cedric Edward Johnson. He opened the year on injured reserve due to a calf injury, requiring patience and rehabilitation before returning to game action. His activation on October 31, 2025, ahead of a Week 9 matchup against the Chicago Bears, marked a turning point in his second professional campaign.
Once back on the field, Johnson rejoined a Cincinnati Bengals defensive rotation looking to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His career totals of 27 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries reflect the work he has put in when healthy, and his return from injury gave the team additional depth along the edge. The Bengals’ continued investment in his development underscores their belief in his long-term potential as a pass rusher.
Looking ahead, Johnson will aim to build on his second-half 2025 opportunities and establish himself as a more consistent contributor. With the benefit of a full offseason and a return to health, he is positioned to compete for an expanded role within Cincinnati’s defensive scheme in the seasons to come.