Jakob Elijah Johnson Bio
Jakob Elijah Johnson (born 15 December 1994) is a German-American professional football fullback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and signed with the New England Patriots in 2019 through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. After three seasons in New England, Johnson played two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders before joining the Houston Texans in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Jakob Johnson was born in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, on 15 December 1994. He was born as Jakob Weinmann to an African-American father and a German mother. He later adopted his father’s surname, Johnson. Johnson graduated from the technical Gymnasium Max-Eyth-Schule in 2013 with the Abitur. He played for the Stuttgart Scorpions on the U19 team before moving to Jacksonville, Florida, in his senior year of high school. Johnson was a four-star recruit in high school and joined the Tennessee Volunteers as a linebacker. At the University of Tennessee, he became a member of the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll for three consecutive seasons and graduated with a degree in kinesiology. He is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Path to American Football
Following his graduation from the University of Tennessee in 2018, Johnson returned to the Stuttgart Scorpions of the German Football League, where he played for a year. In his time with the Scorpions, he had 43 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns, along with rushing for 46 yards on ten attempts in 12 games. His performance in Germany helped him gain recognition, leading to his entry into the NFL. Jakob Johnson entered the NFL via the International Player Pathway Program and was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent on 8 April 2019.
Jakob Elijah Johnson Career
Early Career (2018)
Jakob Johnson began his professional career with the Stuttgart Scorpions in 2018. After a successful season, he transitioned to the NFL, signing with the New England Patriots. Although he was released during final roster cuts, he was assigned to the practice squad for the 2019 season. Johnson made history by becoming the first International Pathway player to be activated and play in an NFL game.
Breakthrough (2019-2021)
In the 2020 NFL season, Johnson made the Patriots’ 53-man roster and scored his first NFL touchdown on a one-yard reception from Cam Newton during a game against the Seattle Seahawks. This achievement made him the first player from the International Player Pathway to score a touchdown and the first offensive player from Germany to do so. He appeared in all 16 games that season, starting 11 of them. In 2021, he re-signed with the Patriots and continued to contribute significantly, appearing in all 17 regular season games and starting six.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jakob Johnson’s signature work includes his historic touchdown in the NFL, marking a significant milestone for international players. He has also been recognized for his contributions on both offense and special teams throughout his career.
Jakob Elijah Johnson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jakob Johnson has received recognition for his achievements as an international player in the NFL, particularly for his groundbreaking touchdown and contributions to his teams.
Jakob Elijah Johnson Awards Won
Jakob Johnson has not yet received any major awards but has made a significant impact as an international player in the NFL, paving the way for future athletes from abroad.
Jakob Elijah Johnson Family
Information regarding Jakob Johnson’s family background is limited. He was born to an African-American father and a German mother, but further details about his family are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Jakob Johnson’s personal life remains largely private. He has not publicly disclosed information regarding his marital status or any children. Johnson is known for his commitment to his career and his involvement in the sport, including his role as a co-owner of the Stuttgart Surge, an American football club.
