Eric Johnson Bio
Eric Morris Johnson II (born July 16, 1998) is an American professional football defensive tackle. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 320 pounds, he plays in the National Football League (NFL) and currently lines up as a nose tackle. Johnson has built his career through steady development at the college level and a journeyman start in the pros, suiting up for multiple franchises since entering the league.
A 2022 draft pick, Johnson began his NFL journey with the Indianapolis Colts before spending a year with the New England Patriots. He later returned to Indianapolis and has continued to provide depth along the defensive interior. He is recognized for his size, leverage, and run-stopping ability, traits that have helped him remain active in the league across several roster moves.
Early Life and Background
Eric Morris Johnson II was born on July 16, 1998, in Normal, Illinois, in the United States. Growing up in a community with a strong football culture, he was introduced to the sport at a young age and developed the physical profile that would later define his playing style. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and listed at 320 pounds, Johnson always carried the frame of an interior defensive lineman.
Johnson later moved with his family to Plainfield, Illinois, where he continued his education and athletic development. He attended Plainfield South High School, competing as a defensive lineman and drawing attention from college programs for his combination of size and mobility. His high school career laid the foundation for the next step in his football journey, even as he was not yet a heavily recruited national prospect.
Path to American Football
Johnson committed to Missouri State University, joining the Missouri State Bears football program. He spent six seasons with the Bears, a stretch that allowed him to mature physically and refine his technique at the defensive tackle position. His first year was spent redshirting, giving him time to adjust to the speed and strength demands of college football before stepping onto the field in a meaningful role.
During his college career, Johnson became a reliable presence on the Missouri State defensive line. He used the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who participated in the 2020 season, a decision made possible by the COVID-19 pandemic, and returned for a sixth season. In his final year with the Bears, he posted 43 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3 blocked kicks, numbers that earned him second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors in 2020.
Eric Johnson Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Eric Morris Johnson II entered the NFL when he was selected in the fifth round with the 159th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. The selection marked a significant milestone for a player who had spent six years developing at the Football Championship Subdivision level. He joined a Colts defensive line looking for depth and immediately began working to earn a role in the rotation.
Over his first two seasons in Indianapolis, Johnson adjusted to the pace and complexity of the professional game. He appeared in regular-season games, contributing tackles and helping against the run while continuing to learn the schemes of the Colts defensive staff. His 2022 and 2023 campaigns served as a transition period, allowing him to gain valuable experience and establish himself as a dependable practice-squad and rotational option.
Indianapolis Colts Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Johnson’s most notable early work came in his debut season with the Colts. Stepping into a defensive tackle room with established veterans, he focused on playing with proper pad level and using his length to disrupt blocks. While he was not a headline starter, his contributions in short-yardage and goal-line packages stood out, and he quietly built a reputation as a hard worker within the organization.
By the end of his first Colts tenure, Johnson had recorded 41 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery in his regular-season appearances through 2025. Those numbers reflected a player who had grown into a trusted rotational piece. The Colts ultimately waived him on August 27, 2024, a move that opened the next chapter of his professional journey.
New England Patriots Era (2024)
Shortly after being waived by Indianapolis, Johnson was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots on August 28, 2024. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to compete for a spot on an NFL roster and continue his development. He joined a Patriots defensive line in the midst of a transition, and his size and run-stopping experience made him a natural fit for early-down and short-yardage situations.
Johnson spent the 2024 season with New England, contributing on special teams and along the defensive front. His tenure with the Patriots was brief, as the team waived him on May 14, 2025. Even in a short stay, the experience added another chapter to his professional resume and exposed him to a different defensive system.
Indianapolis Colts Second Stint (2025)
Johnson was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on May 15, 2025, returning to the organization that had originally drafted him. The reunion offered a familiar setting and an opportunity to re-establish himself within the defensive line rotation. He rejoined the Colts with the intent of building on the relationships he had developed during his first stint in Indianapolis.
During his return to the Colts, Johnson continued to play the role of a reliable interior defender, focusing on gap control and run defense. His familiarity with the team’s scheme allowed him to contribute quickly, and he remained part of the defensive line picture as the season progressed.
Driving Style and Strengths
Johnson’s game is built on his combination of size, leverage, and effort. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 320 pounds, he uses his frame to occupy blockers and free up teammates to make plays. He is particularly effective against the run, where his ability to anchor at the point of attack and disrupt double teams stands out. As a nose tackle, his primary responsibility is to control the line of scrimmage, and he has built his professional career on doing that job consistently.
Notable Events and Milestones
A defining moment in Johnson’s career came when he was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, validating six seasons of work at Missouri State. Being named second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2020 highlighted his late college development, while his debut season with the Colts marked his arrival at the professional level. His path through Indianapolis, New England, and back to Indianapolis reflects the resilience required to sustain an NFL career.
Eric Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Eric Morris Johnson II was raised in Normal, Illinois, before moving with his family to Plainfield, Illinois. His upbringing in the Midwest, surrounded by a strong football tradition, helped shape his path toward the sport. Specific details about his parents and immediate family are not widely documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Johnson continues to pursue his professional football career, balancing the demands of the NFL with his personal interests. Public information about his marital status, spouse, or children has not been disclosed in verified sources. Off the field, he remains connected to fans and followers through social media, where he shares glimpses of his life as a professional athlete.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a year of transition for Eric Morris Johnson II. After being waived by the New England Patriots in May 2025, he was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on May 15, 2025, returning to the franchise that originally drafted him. The move allowed him to step into a familiar environment and contribute to a defensive line seeking experienced depth.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Johnson has served as a rotational defensive tackle and special teams contributor. His role has focused on early-down run defense and gap control, areas where his size and experience provide value. The familiarity with the Colts’ scheme has allowed him to integrate quickly and maintain a steady presence on the roster.
Looking ahead, Johnson will look to build on his 2025 production and continue to establish himself as a reliable veteran presence along the interior defensive line. With another offseason ahead, his focus will be on maintaining his conditioning, refining his technique, and remaining a dependable option for his coaching staff.
