Fred Johnson Bio
Fred Johnson is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 5, 1997, in West Palm Beach, Florida, he has built a steady career as a versatile blocker after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall and listed at 326 pounds, Johnson has played for multiple franchises and won a Super Bowl championship with the Eagles.
Across his professional career, Johnson has appeared in 79 games with 22 starts, providing depth and rotational play at both tackle and guard. He is recognized for his athleticism, his willingness to play multiple positions along the offensive line, and his durability on game day.
Early Life and Background
Fred Johnson was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he attended Royal Palm Beach High School. Growing up in South Florida, he developed an early interest in football and quickly grew into one of the larger prospects in his class, which led to a full-time move to the offensive line.
Coming out of high school, Johnson was rated as a 3-star offensive tackle recruit by major scouting services. He drew scholarship offers from several programs, including Marshall, Miami, Nebraska, Purdue, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech, before choosing to commit to the University of Florida.
Path to American Football
Johnson enrolled at the University of Florida in 2015, joining the Florida Gators football program as a developmental offensive lineman. He spent four seasons in Gainesville from 2015 to 2018, working his way up the depth chart while adjusting to the speed and physicality of the Southeastern Conference.
By his junior and senior seasons, Johnson had become a regular starter along the interior of the offensive line. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Life Sciences during his time at Florida, and he was named to the 2018 SEC Football Community Service Team for his volunteer work with local elementary and middle schools, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Despite his college production, he went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, setting up a long road to a stable professional career.
Fred Johnson Career
Early Career (2019)
Fred Johnson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2019, and made the team’s initial 53-man roster out of training camp. His time in Pittsburgh was brief, however, as he was waived on October 11 of his rookie season.
Just three days later, on October 14, 2019, Johnson was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he would spend the next three seasons. He appeared in games at both guard and tackle, giving Cincinnati valuable offensive line depth and showing the kind of positional flexibility that has defined his career.
Cincinnati Bengals Breakthrough (2019-2021)
With the Bengals, Johnson settled into a role as a swing lineman who could fill in at multiple spots. He appeared in regular-season games and contributed on special teams units, building a reputation as a hard-working, dependable backup.
Johnson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in November 2020 and later activated, navigating the disruptions of the pandemic-era season. In March 2022, the Bengals placed a restricted free agent tender on him. He signed the tender on March 22, 2022, but was released the same day, opening the door to the next chapter of his career.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2022)
On April 4, 2022, Johnson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joining a veteran offensive line room. He competed for a roster spot through the offseason and into training camp, adding depth at both tackle and guard.
His time in Tampa Bay was short, as he was waived on November 1, 2022, just weeks before the trade deadline. The release set up a key opportunity, as several teams were monitoring the veteran lineman.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2022-2024)
On November 8, 2022, Johnson was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad, giving him a chance to learn the team’s offensive system late in the season. The Eagles advanced to Super Bowl LVII that year, where they were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs.
In February 2023, Johnson signed a reserve/future contract with Philadelphia and went on to win the backup tackle position in training camp, signing a two-year deal. In Week 3 of the 2024 season, Johnson and Tyler Steen stepped in for the second half of a 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints after injuries to starter Lane Johnson and starter Mekhi Becton, helping clear the way for two fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns by Saquon Barkley. He appeared again in the regular-season finale against the New York Giants as the Eagles rested their starters, and Philadelphia finished the year with a franchise-tying 14 wins. The highlight of this run came when Johnson won a Super Bowl championship as the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX.
Jacksonville Jaguars and Return to Philadelphia (2025)
On March 19, 2025, Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, looking to expand his role in a new offensive scheme. The move gave him a chance to compete for more snaps as a swing tackle and interior backup.
On August 25, 2025, Johnson was traded back to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, returning to the organization where he had won his first Super Bowl. He later re-signed with the Eagles on a one-year contract on March 25, 2026, extending his stay in Philadelphia through the following season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Johnson is best known for his positional versatility, having started games at both right tackle and right guard during his college and professional career. His 6-foot-7 frame, combined with surprising quickness, allows him to handle both power rushers on the edge and bigger interior defenders. Coaches have valued his dependability in spot starts and his ability to step into high-leverage situations without a drop-off in protection.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Johnson’s career came on the Super Bowl LIX stage, where the Philadelphia Eagles’ 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs delivered him a championship ring. He also reached a milestone during the 2024 regular season finale, contributing to a 14-win campaign that tied a franchise record for the Eagles.
Fred Johnson Career Wins
Fred Johnson’s most celebrated professional victory is a Super Bowl championship, earned with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Beyond the postseason, his career has been defined more by durability, versatility, and steady contributions across multiple teams than by headline win totals.
Other Wins and Performances
Johnson has posted consistent regular-season performances, appearing in 79 career games with 22 starts through the 2025 season. His work in a Week 3, 2024 win over the New Orleans Saints, helping set up two Saquon Barkley rushing touchdowns, stands out as one of the most memorable in-game contributions of his career.
Fred Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Fred Johnson’s immediate family are limited. He grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida, and has credited his upbringing in South Florida with shaping his path into football.
Personal Life
Johnson maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares updates about his football career and life off the field. Beyond his professional commitments, he has continued the community service work he began at the University of Florida, supporting youth and education programs in the areas where he has played.
2025 Season Performance
Fred Johnson’s 2025 season began with a one-year contract signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 19, 2025, offering him a fresh opportunity to compete for a larger role. His stint in Jacksonville, however, was brief, as he was traded back to the Philadelphia Eagles on August 25, 2025, in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Returning to Philadelphia put Johnson back in a familiar offensive system and a Super Bowl-winning locker room, where he was reunited with several former teammates. The familiarity of the scheme and coaching staff gave him a strong chance to carve out a role as a swing tackle and reliable backup along the offensive line.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s re-signing with the Eagles on March 25, 2026, ensures he remains in Philadelphia for another season. His mix of experience, versatility, and championship pedigree should keep him in line for meaningful snaps as the Eagles continue to compete at a high level in the NFC.
