Ty Johnson Bio
Ty Marquise Johnson is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins. Johnson grew up in Cumberland, Maryland, and had a successful high school career at Fort Hill where he led the team to two state championships. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has since played for the New York Jets and currently the Buffalo Bills.
Early Life and Background
Ty Marquise Johnson was born on September 17, 1997, in Cumberland, Maryland. He attended Fort Hill High School, where he was a multi-year starter at both running back and defensive back. In his junior and senior seasons, Johnson led the Fort Hill Sentinels to back-to-back Maryland 1A State Football Championships. His performance earned him recognition as the Area High School Football Player of the Year by the Cumberland Times-News and a spot on the Maryland High School Consensus All-State team in 2014. During his two full varsity seasons, Johnson accumulated nearly 5,000 all-purpose yards and scored 65 touchdowns.
Path to American Football
After high school, Ty Johnson was rated as a three-star college prospect and was the 20th best recruit in Maryland. He committed to the University of Maryland, where he played for the Maryland Terrapins from 2015 to 2018. Johnson’s collegiate career was marked by impressive statistics, totaling 4,196 all-purpose yards, which ranks third in the program’s history. He set the Terrapins’ single-season yards per carry record in 2016, averaging 9.1 yards per rushing attempt. Johnson also excelled as a kick returner, finishing his college career with 1,194 kick return yards and two return touchdowns.
Ty Johnson Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Ty Johnson was selected by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, being the 186th overall pick. He made his NFL debut in the Lions’ regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, where he had a six-yard carry. In his rookie season, Johnson played in 13 games, recording 63 carries for 273 rushing yards and 24 receptions for 109 receiving yards. He made his first career start in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears, showcasing his potential as a reliable running back.
Breakthrough (2020–Present)
After being waived by the Lions in October 2020, Johnson was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets. He had a standout performance in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders, rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown. His contributions helped the Jets secure their first win of the season against the Los Angeles Rams. Johnson faced challenges with injuries, including a torn pec in 2023, which led to his release from the Jets. However, he signed with the Buffalo Bills in August 2023 and was promoted to the active roster in October. He finished the 2023 regular season with 194 all-purpose yards and a receiving touchdown.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Ty Johnson has established himself as a versatile player, contributing both as a running back and a kickoff returner. He has surpassed 1,000 total rushing yards in his career and has been recognized for his explosive playing style. Johnson re-signed with the Buffalo Bills on March 11, 2025, on a two-year contract worth $5 million, solidifying his role within the team.
Ty Johnson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ty Johnson has not received any notable award nominations as of yet.
Ty Johnson Awards Won
Ty Johnson has not won any major awards during his professional football career.
Ty Johnson Family
Information regarding Ty Johnson’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Ty Johnson’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.
