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 entered the NFL in 2024 as an undrafted free agent. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and listed at around 204 pounds, Johnson has worked his way across multiple practice squads and reserve contracts to remain active in the league. He wears jersey number 18 for the Bengals.
Early Life and Background
Xavier Johnson was born on May 11, 1999, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in his hometown and attended Summit Country Day School, where he developed into a versatile two-way skill player. At Summit, Johnson built a strong statistical resume as a high school athlete, recording 32 receptions for 766 yards and eight scores through the air while also producing 623 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns with an average of 17.3 yards per carry on the ground.
His production drew attention from college scouts, and Johnson was rated a three-star recruit by recruiting services. Coming out of Summit Country Day, he held scholarship offers from several programs, including Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Iowa State, North Dakota State, and Ohio. Johnson ultimately chose to play college football at Ohio State, joining one of the most prominent programs in the country.
Path to American Football
Johnson signed with Ohio State as a running back recruit, a position he played through his first two collegiate seasons. His size, speed, and pass-catching ability gave the Buckeyes flexibility in how they deployed him out of the backfield and in the passing game. During the 2022 season, Johnson scored three touchdowns, including a 24-yard touchdown reception against Notre Dame in Ohio State’s first game of the year.
He continued to produce in big moments, catching a go-ahead 37-yard touchdown pass in the 2022 Peach Bowl against Georgia that gave the Buckeyes a 28-24 lead just before halftime. The following offseason, on August 19, 2023, Johnson was named the Buckeyes’ Block “O” jersey recipient, an honor recognizing toughness and leadership, and he wore jersey number 0 for the 2023 season. That year he caught 13 passes for 178 yards and added 28 rushes for 190 yards, showing his usefulness as both a runner and a receiver.
Xavier Johnson Career
Early Career (2018–2023)
Johnson spent six seasons at Ohio State, arriving in 2018 and developing within a deep and talented roster. As a running back early in his college career, he worked to refine his skills as a runner, blocker, and pass catcher while learning the daily demands of a top-tier college program.
His shift to wide receiver ahead of his junior season expanded his role and showcased his ability to line up outside. By the end of his time at Ohio State, Johnson had become a reliable complementary piece in the Buckeyes’ offense, contributing on special teams, in the run game, and as a downfield target.
Buffalo Bills (2024)
After going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Johnson signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career in the AFC East. He joined a crowded Bills roster and worked to earn a spot through training camp and the preseason.
Johnson was released by the Bills as part of final roster cuts on August 27, 2024, ending his first NFL stint. The short window gave him a first look at professional-level practices and roster competition.
Houston Texans (2024–2025)
On August 29, 2024, Johnson signed with the Houston Texans’ practice squad, keeping him in the league and giving him a chance to continue developing. He spent the bulk of the 2024 season working with the Texans’ practice squad, refining his route running and special teams skills.
Johnson signed a reserve/future contract with Houston on January 21, 2025, locking in his status with the organization for the following league year. On August 19, 2025, he was waived by the Texans with an injury designation, opening the door for his next opportunity.
Cincinnati Bengals (2025–Present)
On December 10, 2025, Johnson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad, returning to his hometown area in the process. He then signed a reserve/future contract with Cincinnati on January 5, 2026, securing his place on the team’s offseason roster.
Now wearing number 18 for the Bengals, Johnson works as an active wide receiver on the depth chart. His path from undrafted free agent to practice squad contributor to reserve/future signee reflects steady perseverance through three NFL organizations in less than two years.
Driving Style and Strengths
Johnson’s professional profile is built on versatility, with experience as both a college running back and wide receiver. His combination of size, speed, and open-field running ability allows him to line up in multiple roles within an offensive scheme. That flexibility has helped him survive multiple rounds of roster cuts and remain an asset on practice squads.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most memorable college moments, Johnson’s 37-yard touchdown reception in the 2022 Peach Bowl against Georgia stands out as a signature play in a marquee bowl game. Earning the Block “O” jersey for the 2023 season marked another milestone, recognizing his standing within the Ohio State program. Signing his first reserve/future contract with the Houston Texans in January 2025 represented his first multi-month professional commitment.
Xavier Johnson Career Wins
Xavier Johnson’s professional resume is still in its early stages, and detailed regular-season win totals or award counts are not clearly documented across his time with the Bills, Texans, and Bengals. Most of his on-field impact to this point has come through practice squad contributions, training camp performance, and reserve/future contracts rather than headline box-score statistics.
Cincinnati Bengals Highlights
Since joining the Bengals’ practice squad in December 2025, Johnson has continued to build his foundation as a professional receiver. His reserve/future contract with Cincinnati in January 2026 signaled the team’s interest in giving him a full offseason to compete for a roster spot, though specific game statistics from his Bengals tenure are not yet documented in available sources.
Other Wins & Performances
Before turning professional, Johnson’s most notable performances came at Summit Country Day School, where his all-purpose production as a runner and receiver made him a three-star recruit. At Ohio State, he carved out a role as a situational offensive contributor, particularly during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, with scoring plays against Notre Dame and in the Peach Bowl against Georgia serving as highlights of his college resume.
Xavier Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Xavier Johnson’s parents and broader family background are not documented in the available sources. He is known to have grown up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended Summit Country Day School, but specific information about siblings, parents, or extended family has not been publicly verified.
Personal Life
Public information about Xavier Johnson’s personal life, including marital status or children, is not currently documented. He is identified as an American male, born and raised in Cincinnati, and remains connected to that community through his current team.
2025 Season Performance
Johnson’s 2025 season began with the Houston Texans, where he held a reserve/future contract signed in January 2025. He was waived with an injury designation on August 19, 2025, ending his time in Houston and placing his roster status in question for the early portion of the regular season.
He found a new home on December 10, 2025, when he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad, giving him a late-season opportunity to return to action. With the Bengals, Johnson worked to prove himself as a depth receiver and special teams option, and his reserve/future contract signed January 5, 2026, secured his place with the organization into the next league year.
Looking ahead from a 2025 perspective, Johnson’s outlook rests on his ability to translate practice squad reps into active roster contributions. His track record of moving between three NFL organizations in less than two years shows resilience, and his versatility as a former college running back now playing wide receiver gives Cincinnati multiple ways to use him as depth behind its top pass catchers.