Buddy Johnson Bio
Devodrick “Buddy” Johnson (born February 27, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 229 pounds, he plays the linebacker position at the professional level. Johnson was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft and played college football at Texas A&M University, where he developed into a productive defender.
Since entering the league, Johnson has spent time with several NFL organizations, working primarily on special teams and in rotational defensive roles. He joined the Indianapolis Colts in late September 2025 after a stretch with the Dallas Cowboys, continuing a career defined by perseverance and steady contributions on special teams coverage units.
Early Life and Background
Devodrick “Buddy” Johnson was born on February 27, 1999, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in the Dallas area and attended Justin F. Kimball High School, where he developed as a two-way football player. At Kimball, Johnson lined up at both quarterback and outside linebacker, showing the versatility and competitive toughness that would later define his professional profile.
As a junior at Kimball, Johnson earned second-team All-district recognition at quarterback, an unusual honor for a player who would eventually transition to the defensive side of the ball. During his senior season in 2016, he led the team with 472 rushing yards and 446 receiving yards, while also adding 268 passing yards. That same year, he was recognized with All-district honors at linebacker, signaling the position switch that would shape his football future.
Path to American Football
Johnson’s high school production at multiple positions drew college attention, and he accepted a football scholarship from Texas A&M University. He arrived in College Station ready to contribute on defense, and as a true freshman he appeared in 12 games, compiling 20 tackles, one sack and three quarterback pressures. His most notable early performance came against Louisiana State University, when he recorded nine tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and one sack.
As a sophomore, Johnson appeared in 12 games and tallied 27 tackles, 5.0 sacks and one fumble recovery, showing steady growth as a pass rusher and run defender. His continued development helped him earn a starting role as a junior, when he started all 13 games and led the team with 77 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss. He capped his Texas A&M career as a senior in a COVID-shortened 2020 season, starting all 10 games for an SEC top-ranked defense and leading the squad with 86 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. He finished his college career with 47 games played, 210 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and one interception.
Buddy Johnson Career
Pittsburgh Steelers (2021–2022)
Johnson was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round, 140th overall, of the 2021 NFL draft. On May 18, 2021, he signed a four-year rookie contract and joined a deep linebacker room. As a rookie, he appeared in four games, played mostly on special teams and recorded two special teams tackles while adjusting to the speed of the professional game.
His time in Pittsburgh was short. On August 30, 2022, Johnson was waived by the Steelers as part of roster moves heading into the regular season. The release began a stretch in which he moved between practice squads across the league.
San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans (2022)
On September 5, 2022, Johnson signed with the practice squad of the San Francisco 49ers, where he continued to sharpen his special teams and defensive techniques. He was released on October 18, 2022, after a brief stint with the organization.
Shortly after, on November 1, 2022, Johnson was signed to the Houston Texans’ practice squad. The 2022 season became a year of transitions, as he worked to stay ready for an opportunity while moving between organizations.
Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys (2023–2025)
On July 25, 2023, Johnson signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears in search of a larger role. He was waived and injured on August 17 and reverted to the Bears’ injured reserve list the next day after going unclaimed on the waiver wire. He was ultimately released on October 3, 2023.
On October 24, 2023, Johnson was signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, where he was elevated for two games and posted two special teams tackles and two defensive tackles. He made his postseason debut on special teams in the Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers. On January 15, 2024, Johnson signed a reserve and future contract with Dallas. After being declared inactive for the first three games, he appeared in each of the final 14 contests and played mostly on special teams, finishing with a career-high eight special teams tackles, including three against the Atlanta Falcons. On August 26, 2025, Johnson was released by the Cowboys as part of final roster cuts and was re-signed to the practice squad the next day.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2025–Present)
On September 30, 2025, Johnson was signed by the Indianapolis Colts off of the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to contribute on special teams and in a rotational linebacker role within a new defensive scheme. He joined the Colts looking to translate his years of special teams experience into a more consistent defensive role.
Johnson’s path to Indianapolis reflected the perseverance that has marked his professional journey, as he continued to rebound from practice squad moves and roster reshuffles. His tenure with the Colts represents the latest chapter in a career built largely on reliability in the kicking game and the willingness to do the unglamorous work that coaches value.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Johnson’s most notable moments was his postseason debut with the Dallas Cowboys on special teams in the Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers in January 2024. He also recorded a career-high three special teams tackles in a single game against the Atlanta Falcons during the 2024 season. Earlier in his career, he earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors as a junior at Texas A&M after returning a fumble 62 yards for a touchdown against the University of Mississippi.
Buddy Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Devodrick “Buddy” Johnson’s immediate family and any football lineage is limited. He grew up in Dallas, Texas, and rose to prominence through his own high school performance at Justin F. Kimball High School, where he developed into a versatile two-way player before concentrating on defense.
Personal Life
Johnson is known publicly by the nickname “Buddy,” a name carried since his youth in Dallas. Beyond his football career, he maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares updates about his professional journey. There is no widely confirmed public information about a spouse or children.
2025 Season Performance
Johnson’s 2025 season began with him on the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad after he was released and re-signed during final roster cuts. After spending the early weeks of the regular season in that role, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts off the Cowboys’ practice squad on September 30, 2025. The late-season move provided him with a fresh opportunity to compete for special teams snaps and a rotational linebacker role in Indianapolis.
With the Colts, Johnson was expected to contribute primarily on special teams coverage, an area where he had built his reputation during his time in Dallas. His career-high eight special teams tackles in 2024 demonstrated the kind of reliability that often earns steady roles on NFL rosters, even for players who do not start on defense. His familiarity with the kicking game made him a low-risk addition for an Indianapolis team looking to bolster its coverage units.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s outlook in Indianapolis depends on his ability to stay healthy and continue producing on special teams while earning occasional defensive snaps. His career arc, marked by movement between practice squads and active rosters, suggests he will continue to embrace a grinder’s mentality as he works to carve out a longer-term role in the NFL.