Caleb Johnson Bio
Caleb Johnson (born July 28, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 228 pounds, he plays a physical, downhill style of linebacker play. He previously spent time with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Atlanta Falcons after beginning his professional career as an undrafted free agent in 2021.
A graduate of Houston Baptist, Johnson made headlines in 2021 by becoming the first player in program history to sign an NFL contract. He has built his career on special teams contributions and defensive depth, steadily earning roster opportunities across multiple organizations.
Early Life and Background
Caleb Johnson was born on July 28, 1998, in San Diego, California. He grew up in the San Diego area and attended Point Loma High School, where he began developing the physical style of play that has defined his football career. The Southern California football scene, known for producing skilled and athletic linebackers, helped shape his early fundamentals.
Coming out of high school, Johnson was not heavily recruited by major college football programs, but his work ethic and size caught the attention of the Houston Baptist Huskies coaching staff. He committed to Houston Baptist, a smaller program competing in the Southland Conference, where he would go on to spend four seasons and develop into one of the conference’s most productive defenders.
Path to American Football
Johnson’s path to professional football began in earnest at Houston Baptist, where he played for the Houston Baptist Huskies for four seasons. As a senior, he recorded 49 tackles in just four games during a shortened 2020 season after the Southland Conference fall football season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the limited schedule, his production earned him recognition across the conference.
He finished his collegiate career with 278 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks, and seven fumble recoveries, an impressive statistical resume for a player at the FCS level. His senior-year performance also earned him the Southland Conference co-Defensive Player of the Year award, helping establish him as an NFL prospect despite playing at a smaller school.
Caleb Johnson Career
Early Career (2021)
Following the 2021 NFL Draft, Caleb Johnson signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2021. He made immediate history, becoming the first player from Houston Baptist to sign an NFL contract. Johnson impressed the Bears’ coaching staff during training camp and earned a spot on the 53-man roster out of camp, an accomplishment that confirmed his readiness for the professional level.
He spent his rookie season contributing primarily on special teams while learning the Bears’ defensive schemes. On August 31, 2022, however, Johnson was waived by Chicago as the team trimmed its roster ahead of the regular season. The release ended his initial NFL chapter but quickly opened a new opportunity elsewhere.
Jacksonville Jaguars Tenure (2022–2024)
On September 1, 2022, just one day after his release from Chicago, Johnson was claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The move gave him a fresh start and a longer runway to establish himself on an NFL roster. With Jacksonville, he continued to work primarily on special teams while providing linebacker depth behind the team’s veterans.
Johnson remained with the Jaguars through the 2024 season, logging time as a reserve and core special teams player. His versatility and willingness to contribute in multiple phases of the game helped him remain a roster fixture in Jacksonville for nearly three seasons.
Atlanta Falcons Stint (2025)
On May 12, 2025, Johnson signed with the Atlanta Falcons, taking another opportunity to compete for a roster spot. He participated in the Falcons’ offseason program and training camp as he looked to carve out a role on the depth chart.
His time in Atlanta was short, however, as he was waived by the team on August 23, 2025. Despite the brief tenure, Johnson continued to demonstrate the resilience and durability that have marked his professional journey since 2021.
Miami Dolphins Era (2025–Present)
On October 1, 2025, Johnson signed with the Miami Dolphins practice squad, joining an organization known for aggressive defensive schemes. His experience and special teams value gave him a clear path back onto an NFL roster. On November 26, 2025, he was promoted to the Dolphins’ active roster, marking his return to a 53-man lineup.
With Miami, Johnson has continued to operate as a depth linebacker and core special teams contributor. His steady professional trajectory, spanning five organizations in five seasons, reflects both his perseverance and his continued value at the NFL level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Caleb Johnson is known for his physical, downhill playing style at the linebacker position. Listed at 6 feet 2 inches and around 228 pounds, he brings a sturdy frame and reliable tackling ability against the run. He has also demonstrated value in coverage and on special teams units, making him a versatile role player for multiple defensive schemes throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most notable milestones of Caleb Johnson’s career came on May 14, 2021, when he became the first player from Houston Baptist to sign an NFL contract. He followed that by making the Bears’ 53-man roster out of training camp as an undrafted rookie, a rare achievement. Most recently, his promotion to the Dolphins’ active roster on November 26, 2025, marked his continued presence in the league after stops in Chicago, Jacksonville, and Atlanta.
Caleb Johnson Family
Personal Life
Caleb Johnson was raised in San Diego, California, the city where he was born and where he attended Point Loma High School. Public information about his immediate family has not been widely reported, and he has kept his personal life largely private.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a transitional year for Caleb Johnson, beginning with a brief stint in Atlanta before he found a new opportunity in Miami. After being waived by the Falcons in late August, he signed with the Dolphins’ practice squad in early October and continued to prepare for his next opportunity.
His promotion to the Dolphins’ active roster on November 26, 2025, gave him a chance to contribute during the second half of the regular season. Operating primarily on special teams and as a reserve linebacker, Johnson provided Miami with experienced depth during the stretch run.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s continued presence on an active NFL roster reflects both his durability and his special teams value. As Miami pushes toward its postseason goals, his role as a reliable depth piece and core special teams player remains a meaningful part of the team’s overall roster construction.