D’Ernest Johnson Bio
D’Ernest Johnson Jr. is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 27, 1996, in Immokalee, Florida, Johnson has built a steady career as a versatile back, contributing on offense and in the return game. He played college football for the South Florida Bulls before beginning his professional journey in 2018.
Early Life and Background
D’Ernest Johnson Jr. was born and raised in Immokalee, Florida, a small agricultural community in southwest Florida. He attended Immokalee High School, where he played high school football and quickly emerged as one of the most talented players in the region. As a four-star running back recruit, Johnson attracted statewide attention during his prep career.
During his senior season, Johnson helped lead the Immokalee Indians to the Class 5A regional semifinals, where the team fell to Plantation-American Heritage. In a notable game against American Heritage, a roster that also featured Sony Michel and Isaiah McKenzie, Johnson ran for 143 yards and a touchdown and added a 99-yard kickoff return. Following his strong senior campaign, he committed to play college football at the University of South Florida.
Path to American Football
Johnson enrolled at the University of South Florida in 2014 and spent four seasons with the South Florida Bulls from 2014 through 2017. He earned second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2016, when he averaged 28.9 yards per kickoff return and 11.8 yards per punt return, scoring once as a returner. He developed into a multipurpose threat, finishing his career as USF’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards (4,186), receptions by a running back (73), and receiving yards by a running back (909).
Despite his productive college resume, Johnson went undrafted in the 2018 NFL draft. He received a rookie minicamp invitation from the New Orleans Saints but did not secure a contract. Rather than retire from the game, he used the downtime to fish for mahi-mahi in Key West with a friend, waiting for the next opportunity to continue his football career.
D’Ernest Johnson Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
In 2018, Johnson worked to keep his football dream alive after going undrafted. He signed with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) for the league’s inaugural 2019 season. With the Apollos, Johnson handled a significant offensive role, rushing for 372 yards on 70 carries and adding 22 receptions for 220 yards in eight games.
After the AAF folded in April 2019, Johnson signed with the Cleveland Browns on May 16, 2019. Following an impressive training camp, he made the Browns’ initial 53-man roster for the 2019 season, leading the team with 86 rushing yards on 20 carries during the preseason while also contributing as a punt and kickoff returner. He made his regular-season debut in the 2019 opener against the Tennessee Titans, finishing that season with four carries for 21 rushing yards and six receptions for 71 receiving yards.
Cleveland Browns Breakthrough (2020–2022)
Johnson broke out with the Browns in 2020. In Week 4, he had 13 carries for 95 rushing yards in a 49–38 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, signaling the type of impact he could deliver in a featured role. His breakout season, however, came in 2021, when injuries to Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt opened the door for him to start against the Denver Broncos on October 21, 2021.
In that game, Johnson ran for 146 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, earning Player of the Game honors and FedEx Ground Player of the Week. He re-signed with the Browns on June 4, 2022, on a one-year, $2.43 million contract, continuing to contribute on offense and special teams.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2023–2024)
On March 23, 2023, Johnson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he served as the backup to Travis Etienne and as a kickoff returner. He re-signed with Jacksonville on March 13, 2024, returning for a second season with the club. His role in Jacksonville allowed him to showcase his reliability as a depth back and return specialist.
Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals (2025)
Johnson signed with the Baltimore Ravens on August 2, 2025. He was waived during the 53-man roster cutdown process on August 26 and re-signed to the practice squad the next day before being released on September 24. Shortly after, on September 29, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, but he was released on October 28, 2025.
New England Patriots Era (2025–Present)
On October 29, 2025, Johnson signed with the New England Patriots’ practice squad, adding veteran depth to the backfield and return units. He was signed to the active roster on December 13, 2025, marking his return to a 53-man roster late in the season. His experience and special-teams value have made him a useful addition for the Patriots’ late-season stretch.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Johnson’s career came on October 21, 2021, when he started against the Denver Broncos in place of injured stars Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt and rushed for 146 yards with a touchdown, earning Player of the Game and FedEx Ground Player of the Week honors. He also set USF career records for all-purpose yards, receptions by a running back, and receiving yards by a running back, and he was a second-team All-AAC selection in 2016.
D’Ernest Johnson Career Wins
D’Ernest Johnson’s professional resume is highlighted more by consistency and special-teams impact than by a long list of championship victories. Across stops with the Orlando Apollos, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, and New England Patriots, he has carved out a steady role as a versatile reserve.
Other Wins and Performances
Among his top career performances is the Week 4, 2020 game against the Dallas Cowboys, where he posted 95 rushing yards in a 49–38 Cleveland victory. His standout 146-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Denver Broncos in 2021 stands as his signature game, earning him Player of the Game and FedEx Ground Player of the Week recognition.
D’Ernest Johnson Family
Personal Life
Johnson spent part of 2018 fishing for mahi-mahi in Key West with a friend after going undrafted, a period he has often referenced as a humbling chapter that reinforced his love for football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a tour of NFL practice squads and short stints for D’Ernest Johnson. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens in early August but was waived during final cuts and re-signed to the practice squad before being released in late September. He quickly caught on with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad on September 29, only to be released again on October 28.
On October 29, Johnson signed with the New England Patriots’ practice squad, providing veteran depth at running back and on kickoff returns. He was promoted to the active roster on December 13, giving him an opportunity to contribute during the final weeks of the regular season.
Heading into the late 2025 stretch, Johnson’s path back to the active roster reflects the journeyman nature of his career, marked by persistence and versatility. His experience as a runner, receiver, and returner gives New England a useful depth piece as the season winds down.