Kyron Johnson Bio
Kyron Johnson (born July 24, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft. Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 235 pounds, Johnson has built his career on special teams play and defensive depth contributions across multiple organizations.
After beginning his professional journey in Philadelphia, Johnson has continued to move through league rosters and practice squads in search of a stable role. His career path has taken him through Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, and most recently the UFL’s DC Defenders, reflecting the perseverance required to remain active at the highest levels of the sport.
Early Life and Background
Kyron Johnson was born on July 24, 1998, in Arlington, Texas. He grew up in the same city and attended Lamar High School, where he developed into a promising linebacker prospect. Arlington’s competitive high school football scene helped shape his early understanding of the game’s physical demands and prepared him for the next level.
During his senior season at Lamar, Johnson suffered a frightening moment when he was taken off the field on a stretcher during a game against North Crowley, though he recovered from the injury. Following that season, he received college scholarship offers from Kansas and SMU. On June 2, 2016, Johnson committed to Kansas, choosing the Big 12 program over a path through the Mustangs.
Path to American Football
Johnson’s transition from high school prospect to collegiate linebacker began with his commitment to Kansas in the summer of 2016. The Jayhawks offered him an opportunity to grow within a Power Five conference, and he signed on to compete for playing time in their defensive system. His development at Lamar High School gave him the foundation needed to handle the jump to college football.
His time at Kansas was marked by steady progression from a special teams role into a starting defensive position. The NCAA’s decision to grant an extra year of eligibility following the COVID-19 pandemic allowed Johnson to return for a fifth season, giving him the chance to develop further and earn conference recognition in his final college year.
Kyron Johnson Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Johnson played his college football at Kansas from 2017 through 2021, working his way up the depth chart over five seasons. As a freshman, he primarily contributed on special teams, recording 17 tackles while appearing in 8 of the Jayhawks’ games. His role expanded as he gained experience and adapted to the speed of the college game.
By his sophomore season, Johnson had earned a starting role and made his first career start against Nicholls. Following the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, he took advantage of the NCAA’s extra eligibility ruling and returned for a fifth year. In 2021, his super-senior campaign, Johnson was named Second-team All-Big 12, capping his collegiate career with conference-wide recognition.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2022–2023)
Johnson entered the NFL when the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the sixth round, 181st overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. The pick represented the culmination of his five-year college journey and gave him an opportunity to compete for a depth role on a contending roster. As a rookie, he worked to carve out a spot on special teams and within the linebacker rotation.
His time in Philadelphia was brief. On August 29, 2023, Johnson was waived by the Eagles and re-signed to the practice squad. Less than a month later, on October 3, 2023, the Eagles released him from the practice squad, ending his initial NFL tenure.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2023–2024)
Just one week after his release from Philadelphia, Johnson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad on October 10, 2023. He continued to develop and wait for his opportunity, eventually being elevated to the active roster on December 22, 2023. The promotion reflected the team’s confidence in his special teams abilities and depth potential.
Johnson remained with Pittsburgh through the 2023 season, but on August 27, 2024, he was waived by the Steelers as part of offseason roster moves. His stint in Pittsburgh showed he could stick on an active NFL roster, even if only briefly.
Tennessee Titans Era (2024–2025)
On September 11, 2024, Johnson signed with the Tennessee Titans practice squad, marking his third NFL organization in roughly a year. He continued to provide linebacker depth and special teams value, eventually signing a reserve/future contract with Tennessee on January 6, 2025. The deal signaled the Titans’ interest in keeping him in the fold beyond the 2024 campaign.
His time in Tennessee ended on May 7, 2025, when Johnson was waived/injured and reverted to injured reserve the following day. He was then released with an injury settlement on May 13, 2025, closing his most recent NFL chapter.
DC Defenders Era (2026)
On January 14, 2026, Johnson was selected by the DC Defenders of the United Football League, the spring professional football league. The selection offered him a fresh platform to showcase his skills and continue his career at a professional level. He was released on March 19, re-signed on April 28, and released again on June 2, reflecting the fluid nature of spring league rosters.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Johnson’s career milestones, his 2021 Second-team All-Big 12 selection stands as his most prominent individual honor. Being drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles also marked a major achievement, validating his five-year development arc at Kansas. His movement through three NFL practice squads and one active roster promotion with Pittsburgh illustrates the journeyman path that defines many late-round linebackers.
Kyron Johnson Career Wins
As a linebacker whose professional role has centered on special teams and depth contributions, Johnson’s career is not typically measured in traditional win totals. Through the 2023 season, he had recorded 8 total tackles in his NFL career, a modest statistical linebacker. His most celebrated achievement remains the Second-team All-Big 12 honor earned in 2021, the only verified individual accolade on his resume.
Other Wins and Performances
Johnson’s path through the Eagles, Steelers, Titans, and DC Defenders organizations has produced steady rather than spectacular results. His selection in the 2022 NFL draft, his promotion to Pittsburgh’s active roster, and his 2021 All-Big 12 recognition remain the most verifiable highlights of his playing career to date.
Kyron Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available information about Kyron Johnson’s immediate family remains limited. He was raised in Arlington, Texas, and developed his football foundation in that community. No further verifiable details about parents or siblings are available from the source materials.
Personal Life
Johnson has kept much of his personal life out of the public eye. No verified information regarding a spouse, partner, or children has been disclosed. His professional focus and frequent team transitions have defined his public profile more than his off-field life.
2025 Season Performance
Johnson’s 2025 season began with a reserve/future contract he had signed with the Tennessee Titans on January 6, 2025, providing him offseason security and a chance to compete for a linebacker role. The agreement reflected Tennessee’s interest in retaining his special teams and depth capabilities as it shaped its roster for the new league year.
His 2025 campaign ultimately proved short. On May 7, 2025, Johnson was waived/injured by the Titans and reverted to injured reserve the following day. He was released with an injury settlement on May 13, 2025, ending his Tennessee tenure before training camp fully got underway.
Following his release, Johnson’s path into 2025 and beyond moved to the spring football circuit, where he was selected by the DC Defenders of the UFL in January 2026. The transition gave him a continued opportunity to play professionally, though his 2025 season itself was curtailed by injury and roster decisions. His outlook going forward centers on staying healthy and earning a longer-term role, whether back in the NFL or in the UFL.