Desjuan Johnson Bio
Desjuan Renarl Johnson (pronounced dezz-WAHN) is an American professional football defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. He played college football for the Toledo Rockets, where he earned three All-Mid-American Conference selections across his career. Johnson entered the NFL as the final selection of the 2023 NFL Draft, earning the nickname Mr. Irrelevant after the Rams chose him with the 259th overall pick.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 278 pounds, Johnson has worked to carve out a role on the Rams defensive line since arriving in Los Angeles. He is originally from Detroit, Michigan, and his journey from a Detroit high school to the NFL reflects a steady climb through developing programs.
Early Life and Background
Desjuan Renarl Johnson was born on September 3, 1999, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in the city and attended East English Village Prep, a high school in Detroit that has produced a number of college-level football players. His early football environment in Detroit helped shape his development as a defensive lineman, where he learned the fundamentals of pass rushing and run defense before moving on to the college ranks.
At East English Village Prep, Johnson played on the defensive line and began attracting attention from college recruiters for his size and athleticism. The combination of his frame and motor made him a target for Mid-American Conference programs looking for developmental defensive ends. His high school work laid the foundation for his later transition to Division I football.
Path to American Football
After completing his prep career at East English Village Prep, Johnson committed to the University of Toledo, joining the Toledo Rockets football program. He enrolled at Toledo and began working his way up the depth chart as a defensive end, learning under the Rockets coaching staff and adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football.
Johnson developed steadily through his time at Toledo, contributing on the defensive line from his early seasons. His progress in the Rockets program set the stage for his three All-MAC selections and positioned him for an opportunity at the next level. By the end of his senior year, he had become one of the more experienced pass rushers in the Mid-American Conference.
Desjuan Johnson Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Desjuan Johnson became a regular contributor for the Toledo Rockets in 2020, when he was named Second-Team All-Mid-American Conference as a defensive end. The recognition marked his emergence as a reliable edge presence for Toledo and validated the work he had put into his game since arriving on campus.
In 2021, Johnson repeated as a Second-Team All-MAC selection, reinforcing his consistency as a pass rusher and run defender. Back-to-back all-conference honors helped raise his profile around the league as he prepared for his senior season and a potential shot at professional football.
Toledo Rockets Breakthrough (2022)
Johnson’s senior season in 2022 represented his most accomplished college year. He was named First-Team All-Mid-American Conference as a defensive end, a step up from his previous two second-team honors, and he helped lead Toledo to the MAC championship that season. The first-team selection and conference title served as the peak of his college career.
Following the 2022 season, Johnson declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. His three All-MAC selections, his championship experience, and his physical traits made him an intriguing late-round project for NFL teams in search of defensive line depth.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2023–Present)
The Los Angeles Rams selected Johnson in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 259th overall pick, the final pick of the draft. That distinction earned him the title of Mr. Irrelevant, a longstanding draft tradition reserved for the last player selected each year. He signed with the Rams and joined the defensive line rotation as a rookie.
As a rookie in the 2023 season, Johnson appeared in 11 games for the Rams. He finished that campaign with two sacks, nine total tackles, and one forced fumble, providing flashes of the pass-rushing potential that had drawn the Rams to him. His role on the defensive line grew as he gained experience within the Rams’ system.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson’s most notable early milestone came when he was named Mr. Irrelevant of the 2023 NFL Draft as the 259th and final overall selection. He has since used that distinction as motivation, posting a career total of five sacks, 33 total tackles, and one forced fumble through his first seasons in Los Angeles. His development from a late-round pick into a contributing defensive end stands as a signature achievement of his young career.
Desjuan Johnson Career Wins
As a defensive player, Desjuan Johnson has notched measurable production rather than traditional wins. Across his college and professional career, his verified results include three All-MAC selections at Toledo, a MAC championship in 2022, and a developing NFL resume highlighted by sacks and tackles with the Los Angeles Rams.
Toledo Rockets Highlights
Johnson’s college highlights are anchored by his three All-MAC selections and the 2022 MAC championship. His Second-Team All-MAC honors in 2020 and 2021 marked his arrival as a starter, while his First-Team All-MAC nod in 2022 represented the high point of his Toledo career.
Other Wins and Performances
In the NFL, Johnson has steadily built a resume with the Rams, recording sacks, tackles, and a forced fumble in his early professional seasons. His continued growth in the Rams’ defensive scheme suggests additional contributions are within reach as he gains experience at the professional level.
Desjuan Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Desjuan Johnson grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and developed his football roots through the city’s youth and high school programs. His background in Detroit helped shape his approach to the defensive line position.
Personal Life
Johnson focuses much of his public presence on his professional football career with the Los Angeles Rams. He maintains an active presence on social media and continues to build his life in Los Angeles as his NFL career progresses.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 NFL season, Desjuan Johnson continues his role with the Los Angeles Rams as a rotational defensive end. His career totals of 33 tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble provide a foundation on which the Rams hope to build increased production as he gains more experience within the defensive scheme.
The Rams’ defensive line depth chart offers Johnson an opportunity to expand his snap count and continue developing as a pass rusher. With multiple seasons of professional experience now behind him, he is positioned to take on a larger role in 2025 and contribute more consistently in key situations.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s outlook for 2025 centers on building on his early career momentum, refining his technique, and adding to his sack and tackle totals. His progression from Mr. Irrelevant to a contributing NFL defensive end remains one of the more encouraging development stories on the Rams’ roster.