Xavier Johnson Bio
Xavier Johnson is an American professional football wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was signed by the Buffalo Bills in 2024 as an undrafted free agent. Johnson has shown promise in his early career and continues to develop as a player in the competitive landscape of professional football.
Early Life and Background
Xavier Johnson was born on May 11, 1999, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Summit Country Day School, where he began to showcase his athletic talents. During his time at Summit, Johnson had an impressive record, achieving 32 receptions for 766 yards and eight touchdowns. Additionally, he excelled in rushing, accumulating 623 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 17.3 yards per carry. His performance earned him a three-star recruit rating, leading him to commit to play college football at Ohio State University over several offers from other schools.
Path to American Football
At Ohio State, Johnson was initially recruited as a running back. However, during his junior season, he transitioned to the wide receiver position, where he found greater success. In the 2022 season, he made significant contributions to the team, scoring three touchdowns, including a notable 24-yard touchdown reception in the season opener against Notre Dame. His performance in the 2022 Peach Bowl against Georgia was particularly memorable, as he caught a go-ahead 37-yard touchdown pass, helping Ohio State secure a lead just before halftime. Johnson’s versatility and skill were recognized when he was named the Buckeyes’ Block “O” jersey recipient in August 2023, wearing the No. 0 jersey for the season.
Xavier Johnson Career
Early Career (2024)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Xavier Johnson signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. Unfortunately, he was released during the final roster cuts on August 27, 2024. Despite this setback, Johnson’s determination led him to sign with the practice squad of the Houston Texans shortly thereafter on August 29, 2024. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Texans on January 21, 2025, but faced challenges, including being waived with an injury designation on August 19, 2025.
Breakthrough (2025)
Johnson’s breakthrough came when he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad on December 10, 2025. This opportunity marked a significant step in his professional career, allowing him to further develop his skills and gain valuable experience in the NFL.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his early career, Xavier Johnson has demonstrated his potential as a wide receiver. His notable achievements include his transition from running back to wide receiver at Ohio State and his impactful performances in key college games. As he continues to grow with the Cincinnati Bengals, he aims to make a lasting impression in the NFL.
Xavier Johnson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Xavier Johnson has not yet received any formal award nominations, as he is still in the early stages of his professional football journey.
Xavier Johnson Awards Won
As of now, Xavier Johnson has not won any major awards in his professional football career, but his promising talent suggests that he may achieve recognition in the future.