Desjuan Johnson Bio
Desjuan Renarl Johnson (dezz-WAHN; born September 3, 1999) is an American professional football defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Toledo Rockets, where he earned three All-MAC selections. Johnson entered the NFL as the final pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, earning the nickname Mr. Irrelevant, and has been working to carve out a role on the Rams’ defensive line since then.
Early Life and Background
Desjuan Renarl Johnson was born on September 3, 1999, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in the city and attended East English Village Prep, where he developed his skills as a defensive lineman. The Detroit area has a long tradition of producing physical, hard-working football players, and Johnson emerged from that environment with the toughness and motor that have defined his career.
At East English Village Prep, Johnson drew attention for his size and athleticism on the defensive line, qualities that would later help him stand out at the college level. His high school performance earned him the opportunity to continue his football career at the collegiate level, and he committed to the University of Toledo to play for the Toledo Rockets.
Path to Professional Football
Johnson’s journey toward professional football began in earnest when he enrolled at the University of Toledo. Playing for the Toledo Rockets, he developed into one of the most reliable defensive ends in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Over the course of his college career, he earned three All-MAC selections, demonstrating consistency and productivity against both the run and the pass.
His selection of Second-Team All-MAC in 2020 and 2021 showed he was already a dependable contributor, while his promotion to First-Team All-MAC in 2022 confirmed his status as one of the top defensive ends in the conference. In 2022, he also helped Toledo capture the MAC championship, capping his college career on a high note before declaring for the NFL Draft.
Desjuan Johnson Career
Early Career (2020-2022)
Desjuan Johnson’s early career at Toledo was marked by steady improvement. He played for the Toledo Rockets and was a Second-Team All-MAC defensive end in both 2020 and 2021, establishing himself as a reliable presence on the defensive line. His performance during these years helped him gain the attention of NFL scouts.
In 2022, Johnson elevated his game, earning First-Team All-MAC honors as a defensive end. That same season, he helped lead the Toledo Rockets to a MAC championship, providing a major boost to his draft stock. His combination of production, leadership, and conference recognition made him a prospect to watch heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
NFL Breakthrough (2023-Present)
Johnson was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round, with the 259th overall pick, of the 2023 NFL Draft. Because he was the final pick of the draft, he was named 2023’s Mr. Irrelevant, a title given to the last player selected each year. Despite the lighthearted label, Johnson viewed the pick as an opportunity to prove himself at the professional level.
As a rookie in the 2023 season, Johnson appeared in 11 games for the Rams. He finished his first NFL season with two sacks, nine total tackles, and one forced fumble, showing flashes of the pass-rushing ability that had made him a productive college player. His role on special teams and in rotation along the defensive line gave him a chance to develop his game at the highest level.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2023-Present)
Since joining the Los Angeles Rams, Johnson has been part of a defensive line working to establish consistency and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His early production as a seventh-round pick gave the Rams a glimpse of his potential, and the team has continued to develop his game within their defensive scheme.
Johnson’s tenure with the Rams has reflected the steady, workmanlike approach that defined his college career. He has continued to add strength and refine his technique, with the goal of becoming a more consistent contributor on passing downs. His progress in the 2024 season and beyond will be an important part of his long-term development in the NFL.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a defensive end, Johnson relies on a combination of power, leverage, and motor to disrupt opposing offenses. His background in the MAC, where he faced a variety of offensive schemes, prepared him well for the speed and complexity of the NFL. His ability to contribute against both the run and the pass makes him a versatile piece for the Rams’ defensive front.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable milestones of Johnson’s career came in 2023, when he was selected as Mr. Irrelevant, the final pick of that year’s NFL Draft. The honor, while lighthearted in nature, marks him as part of an exclusive group of players who have used the designation as motivation. Earlier, in 2022, he celebrated a MAC championship with the Toledo Rockets, a defining team achievement in his college career.
Desjuan Johnson Career Wins
Desjuan Johnson has built his career on a foundation of team success and individual recognition rather than a long list of personal awards. His most significant team victory came during the 2022 season, when he helped the Toledo Rockets capture the MAC championship.
Collegiate and Professional Highlights
At the college level, Johnson earned three All-MAC selections, including Second-Team honors in 2020 and 2021 and First-Team honors in 2022. His selection as a First-Team All-MAC defensive end in 2022 represented the peak of his individual recognition in college. In the NFL, his rookie season with the Rams produced two sacks, nine total tackles, and one forced fumble across 11 games.
Desjuan Johnson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Desjuan Johnson was raised in Detroit, Michigan, where he attended East English Village Prep before moving on to the University of Toledo. Details about his family and personal life have remained largely private, and he has not publicly shared extensive information about his parents or siblings.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Desjuan Johnson continues to develop his role with the Los Angeles Rams. After appearing in 11 games and recording two sacks as a rookie in 2023, he will be looking to build on that foundation with more consistent playing time and production. The Rams’ defensive scheme gives him opportunities to contribute as a rotational pass rusher and on running downs.
Johnson’s progress through the 2024 season provided valuable experience, and the 2025 campaign will be an important step in determining his long-term future in the league. With his combination of size, technique, and motor, he has the tools to develop into a reliable contributor along the Rams’ defensive line.