D. J. Johnson Bio
D. J. Johnson (born October 21, 1998) is an American professional football defensive end for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and weighing 260 lb (118 kg), Johnson played college football for the Miami Hurricanes and the Oregon Ducks. He was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Johnson is a Sacramento, California native whose versatile playing style has included both defensive end and tight end during his college career. His combination of size, athleticism, and positional flexibility has made him an intriguing prospect since high school.
Early Life and Background
Johnson grew up in Sacramento, California, and attended Luther Burbank High School. He was a standout defensive player who finished his senior season with 85 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and 31 tackles for loss, establishing himself as one of the top defensive prospects in the region.
Rated a four-star recruit coming out of high school, Johnson received scholarship offers from several major college football programs, including Washington, Alabama, USC, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. He ultimately committed to play college football at Miami, marking the beginning of his collegiate journey.
Path to American Football
Johnson began his college career at the University of Miami in 2017. As a freshman, he appeared in eight games and recorded three tackles, getting his first taste of high-level collegiate competition.
After the 2017 season, Johnson made the decision to transfer, ultimately choosing the University of Oregon to continue his development. He sat out the regular season of his first year with the Ducks per NCAA transfer rules, using the time to learn the system and adjust to his new program.
D. J. Johnson Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
As a redshirt sophomore at Oregon in 2019, Johnson played in 13 games and finished the season with 14 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks, showing flashes of the pass-rushing ability that had made him a highly recruited prospect out of high school.
In 2020, Johnson was moved to tight end, where he became a red-zone threat. He finished the season with 10 receptions for 113 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the positional versatility that would later define his draft evaluation.
Versatile Senior Years (2021–2022)
During his redshirt senior season, Johnson played both defensive end and tight end. He recorded 11 tackles with two tackles for loss and a sack on defense while catching one pass for 11 yards on offense, continuing to demonstrate his unique two-way value.
Johnson then used the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and returned to Oregon for a fifth year, further refining his skills on both sides of the ball before declaring for the NFL Draft.
Carolina Panthers Era (2023–2025)
The Carolina Panthers traded up to the 80th overall pick to select Johnson in the 2023 NFL Draft. He joined a defensive line looking to add depth and versatility to its rotation of edge rushers.
On January 2, 2025, Johnson was involved in a two-car collision in Charlotte, North Carolina, resulting in a concussion. He was placed on Carolina’s Non-Football Injury list and ruled out for the season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. He finished that season having appeared in 14 games with 2 starts, recording 1 pass deflection, 1 fumble recovery, 0.5 sacks, and 44 combined tackles. On September 30, 2025, Johnson was waived by the Panthers.
Washington Commanders Era (2025–Present)
On December 31, 2025, Johnson was signed to the Washington Commanders’ practice squad, providing him a fresh opportunity to continue his professional career. He subsequently signed a reserve/futures contract with the Commanders on January 5, 2026, securing his place on the team’s offseason roster.
Through his NFL career as of 2025, Johnson has appeared in games for the Panthers and has accumulated 62 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 pass deflections, showing the steady development of a rotational defensive end.
Driving Style and Strengths
Johnson’s biggest strength on the football field has been his positional versatility, having played both defensive end and tight end at the collegiate level. His combination of size and athletic ability allows him to contribute in multiple ways, from setting the edge against the run to serving as a pass-catching option in the red zone.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson’s most notable moments include being drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, his conversion to tight end at Oregon where he scored three touchdowns in 2020, and his signing with the Washington Commanders after being waived by the Panthers in 2025.
D. J. Johnson Career Highlights
Across his professional career, Johnson has compiled 62 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 pass deflections in the NFL, primarily as a rotational defensive end. His college production includes 14 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks in his redshirt sophomore season at Oregon, followed by 10 receptions for 113 yards and three touchdowns in his converted tight end role.
NFL Highlights
Johnson’s most recent NFL action includes his time with the Carolina Panthers from 2023 to 2025, where he appeared in 14 games with 2 starts in his final Panthers season. He then joined the Washington Commanders’ practice squad late in 2025 before signing a reserve/futures contract in January 2026.
D. J. Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Johnson’s family has a notable presence in professional football. His brother, P. J. Johnson, was selected by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft, making the Johnson brothers one of the NFL’s notable sibling pairs from Sacramento, California.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Johnson has remained connected to his hometown throughout his football journey. His background in the Sacramento area and his family’s football ties have played a significant role in shaping his athletic career.
2025 Season Performance
Johnson’s 2025 season with the Carolina Panthers was a challenging one. After appearing in 14 games with 2 starts, he suffered a concussion in a two-car collision in Charlotte, North Carolina, on January 2, 2025, and was placed on the NFI list, ruling him out for the season finale. He was later waived by the Panthers on September 30, 2025.
Following his release, Johnson was signed to the Washington Commanders’ practice squad on December 31, 2025, giving him a pathway back onto an active NFL roster. His career totals of 62 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 pass deflections reflect a developmental trajectory as he looks to carve out a larger role with his new team.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s reserve/futures contract with Washington positions him to compete for a spot on the Commanders’ defensive line in the upcoming offseason, where his versatility and experience could provide valuable depth.