Cornelius Johnson Bio
Cornelius Alexius Theodore Johnson, born on November 29, 2000, is an American professional football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, where he won three consecutive Big Ten Conference championships and a College Football Playoff national title in 2023. Johnson entered the NFL when he was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 208 pounds, Johnson has built his career on size, route precision, and a strong work ethic. After brief stints with the Chargers and the Green Bay Packers, he joined the Baltimore Ravens and continues to develop as a contributor on the practice squad. His journey from a New England prep star to a national champion at Michigan has made him a player to watch at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Cornelius Johnson was born and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he attended Brunswick School. As a senior in 2018, he was recognized as the Gatorade Player of the Year in Connecticut, an award that highlighted his standing as one of the top high school players in the state. That season, he caught 50 passes for 826 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the Brunswick Bruins to an 8–2 record and a berth in the New England Prep School Athletic Council Mike Silipo Bowl Game.
Johnson was also selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he ran for a score and returned a kickoff for a touchdown, showing off the versatility that would later define his game. A two-time All-New England honoree, he concluded his high school career with 2,167 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns. His mother is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School, and in December 2018, Johnson announced his commitment to play college football at Michigan.
Path to American Football
Johnson’s path to elite-level football began in New England’s competitive prep circuit, where he developed the physical tools and technical skills needed to succeed at the next level. The combination of his size, hands, and football IQ made him an attractive recruit for top college programs, and his family ties to Michigan helped solidify his decision to commit early.
By the time he signed with the Wolverines, Johnson had already built a reputation as a polished receiver capable of making an immediate impact. His performance in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl confirmed his readiness for the speed and complexity of major college football. That foundation would set the stage for a decorated career at one of the most storied programs in the sport.
Cornelius Johnson Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Johnson enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2019 and quickly found his way onto the field as a freshman. He caught four passes for 61 yards during his first season, highlighted by a 39-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Shea Patterson against Michigan State on November 16. The play offered an early glimpse of his ability to stretch the field and make big plays in important moments.
As a sophomore in Michigan’s COVID-shortened 2020 season, Johnson appeared in all six games and made three starts. He caught 16 passes for 254 yards, including an 82-yard performance against Indiana and a 105-yard game against Rutgers. Those outings helped establish him as a reliable target in the Wolverines’ passing attack.
Michigan Breakthrough (2021–2023)
In 2021, Johnson took a major step forward as a junior, leading the Wolverines with 39 receptions for 620 yards and three touchdowns. On September 18, he connected with quarterback Cade McNamara for an 87-yard touchdown reception, the third-longest catch in Michigan football history. Against Wisconsin on October 2, he added two more touchdown receptions, capping a breakout season.
As a senior in 2022, Johnson caught 32 passes for 499 yards and six touchdowns. His most memorable game came on November 26 against Ohio State, when he caught four passes for 160 yards, including touchdown receptions of 69 and 75 yards, both in the second quarter, helping Michigan defeat the Buckeyes. He returned for a fifth season in 2023 and won a College Football Playoff national championship with the Wolverines, finishing the year with 47 receptions for 604 yards and one touchdown while earning All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2025–Present)
Johnson was selected in the seventh round, 253rd overall, by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was waived on August 27, 2024, re-signed to the practice squad, and released a few days later. On September 18, 2024, he signed with the Green Bay Packers practice squad, and on January 13, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with Green Bay before being released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.
On September 9, 2025, Johnson was signed to the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad, where he has continued to refine his game. He signed a reserve/future contract with Baltimore on January 5, 2026, cementing his place within the organization. Wearing jersey number 86, Johnson remains active on the Ravens’ roster as he works toward a larger role.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Johnson’s most memorable moments is his 87-yard touchdown reception against the team from Rutgers-area competition in 2021, the third-longest catch in Michigan football history. His two-touchdown performance against Ohio State in 2022 and his national championship win in 2023 stand as defining achievements in his career. The 2023 national title cemented his legacy as part of one of the most successful stretches in Wolverines history.
Cornelius Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Johnson’s family background played an important role in his football journey. His mother is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School, a connection that helped influence his decision to continue his football career at Michigan. The family emphasis on education and achievement helped shape his disciplined approach to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
Johnson’s 2025 campaign began when he signed with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad on September 9, following his release from the Green Bay Packers. With Baltimore, he has continued to develop within a competitive wide receiver room, learning under the organization’s coaching staff. The move represented a fresh opportunity to compete at the highest level of professional football.
On January 5, 2026, Johnson signed a reserve/future contract with the Ravens, securing his spot on the team’s roster heading into the next phase of the offseason. His size, experience in big-game situations, and championship pedigree from Michigan give him a clear path toward contributing on offense. As the 2025 season unfolds, Johnson remains a developmental player with the potential to grow into a larger role in Baltimore.