Juwan Johnson Bio
Juwan Johnson (born September 13, 1996) is an American professional football tight end for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Oregon Ducks and signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 231 pounds, Johnson has developed into a reliable pass-catching target and red-zone presence for the Saints offense.
Early Life and Background
Juwan Johnson was born in Stratford, New Jersey, and raised in the neighboring community of Glassboro, New Jersey. He attended Glassboro High School, where he played prep football and began attracting attention as a skilled receiver. His size and athleticism made him a prospect for college programs looking for a wide receiver with the frame to play multiple roles on offense.
Coming out of high school, Johnson was rated as a multi-sport athlete with a clear path to the college level. He committed to Penn State, choosing the Nittany Lions for the chance to compete in the Big Ten Conference. His time in New Jersey shaped the work ethic and discipline that he has carried throughout his football career.
Path to American Football
Johnson enrolled at Penn State in 2015, where he suited up for the Nittany Lions as a wide receiver from 2015 through the 2018 season. He spent his first three seasons learning the position, contributing on special teams, and developing his route-running skills under the Penn State coaching staff.
Following the 2018 season, Johnson transferred to the University of Oregon for his senior year. Playing in the Pac-12 Conference in 2019 gave him the chance to compete in a pass-oriented offense and showcase his receiving skills against top competition. His senior season at Oregon prepared him for the jump to the professional level.
Juwan Johnson Career
Early Career (2020)
After going unselected in the 2020 NFL Draft, Juwan Johnson signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2020. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, and signed to the Saints practice squad the following day. His rookie season was spent bouncing between the practice squad and the active roster, as he was elevated for weeks 7, 8, 13, and 14 of the regular season before being signed to the active roster on December 19, 2020.
New Orleans Saints Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Johnson appeared in 14 games for the Saints in 2021, starting two, and recorded 13 receptions for 159 yards and 4 touchdowns in his first full season on the active roster. His red-zone production gave the Saints a useful target near the goal line and signaled his potential as a pass-catcher in the tight end room.
In 2022, Johnson emerged as a featured piece of the New Orleans passing game. He played in 16 games and finished the season with 42 receptions for 508 yards and a career-high 7 touchdowns, which also led the Saints. That production marked his breakthrough as a reliable starting tight end at the NFL level.
New Orleans Saints Era (2023–Present)
On March 11, 2023, Johnson signed a two-year contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, cementing his role in the team’s long-term plans. He played in 13 games in 2023 and started 11, finishing the year with 37 receptions for 368 yards and 4 touchdowns.
On June 13, 2024, it was announced that Johnson would undergo foot surgery, raising questions about his availability for the start of the regular season. On March 12, 2025, Johnson signed a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension with the Saints, reinforcing his standing as a core member of the offense.
Playing Style and Strengths
Juwan Johnson lines up primarily as a tight end but operates with the route tree of a big wide receiver. His 6-foot-4 frame and 231-pound build make him a difficult matchup in the red zone, where his size and catch radius translate into touchdowns. He is also valued for his ability to align in the slot and create separation against linebackers and safeties.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson’s 7-touchdown season in 2022 stands as his most productive year and led the Saints in that category. Signing a $30.75 million extension in March 2025 represents the most significant contract of his professional career and a clear vote of confidence from the organization. As of 2025, his career totals include 223 receptions for 2,511 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns.
Juwan Johnson Career Wins
Juwan Johnson’s professional resume features a steady climb from undrafted free agent to a multi-year starter and contract extension recipient. While team-level win totals can shift from season to season, his individual production has been the headline of his time in New Orleans. He has established himself as a regular contributor in the Saints’ passing game since first cracking the active roster in 2020.
New Orleans Saints Highlights
Johnson’s first full season on the active roster came in 2021, when he played 14 games and hauled in 4 touchdowns. He built on that success in 2022 with a career-best 7 touchdown catches, leading the Saints in receiving scores that year. His continued role as a starter through 2023 and the new contract signed in 2025 have solidified his place among the team’s top offensive weapons.
Other Performances
During his college career, Johnson played in major conferences for the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Oregon Ducks. His move to Oregon in 2019 allowed him to close out his college career with a productive senior season, which helped position him for a chance in the NFL.
Juwan Johnson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Juwan Johnson was raised in Glassboro, New Jersey, the same town where he attended high school and built his foundation as a football player. He is a Christian, and his faith has been a steady part of his public life. His journey from small-town New Jersey to a starting role in the NFL is a story of perseverance after going undrafted in 2020.
Personal Life
Johnson is married to Chanen Johnson. The couple has two daughters. Family has remained a focal point for Johnson, who has spoken about balancing the demands of an NFL career with his responsibilities as a husband and father.
2025 Season Performance
Juwan Johnson enters the 2025 season fresh off a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension signed in March 2025, which cements his place as a key piece of the Saints offense. The deal signaled that the organization views him as a long-term answer at tight end rather than a complementary piece.
After undergoing foot surgery in June 2024, Johnson worked his way back to health and was ready to compete in the 2025 regular season. With his contract secured and his role in the passing game intact, expectations in New Orleans call for Johnson to continue producing in the red zone while expanding his role as a possession receiver.
As the 2025 campaign unfolds, Johnson remains a focal point of the Saints’ offensive plans, and his combination of size, experience, and red-zone production will be a key factor in the team’s pursuit of a return to postseason contention.
