Dyontae Johnson Bio
Dyontae Antjuan Johnson is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). He rose to professional football after a five-year career with the Toledo Rockets of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), where he developed into one of the conference’s most productive tacklers. Johnson began his NFL journey with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2023 before eventually joining the Stallions in 2026.
Early Life and Background
Dyontae Antjuan Johnson was born on September 28, 2000, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in a city with a deep tradition of producing football talent and attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit. At Cass Tech, he played linebacker and helped lead the program to two regional titles in 2016 and 2017, capping the run with a state championship during an undefeated 2016 season.
His high school success earned him recognition as a three-star recruit, and he committed to play college football for the Toledo Rockets. The decision to remain in the Midwest allowed him to continue developing in a competitive conference while staying relatively close to his hometown.
Path to American Football
Johnson enrolled at the University of Toledo in 2018, beginning a collegiate career defined by remarkable durability. He did not miss a single game during his five seasons with the Rockets, appearing in all 57 contests across his time in the program. As a freshman in 2018, he played in all 13 games and recorded eight tackles while adjusting to the college level.
In 2019, Johnson continued to work in a reserve role, making 23 tackles across 12 games. His breakthrough came in 2020, when he won a starting role and led the team with 47 tackles while adding 4.5 tackles-for-loss. He never relinquished his starting job after that season and quickly established himself as a dependable defensive presence in the middle of Toledo’s defense.
Dyontae Johnson Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Johnson’s early collegiate years were marked by steady growth in responsibility. After playing as a reserve in 2018 and 2019, he earned a starting spot in 2020 and immediately delivered, leading the team in tackles and emerging as a tone-setter for the Rockets’ defense. His continued improvement earned him third-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2021, when he posted 86 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, and an interception.
As a senior in 2022, Johnson elevated his game further, placing second on the team with 109 tackles and earning second-team All-MAC recognition. He added eight tackles-for-loss, three sacks, and three passes defended while helping Toledo win the 2022 MAC Championship Game, where he was named defensive MVP after recording eight tackles. He finished his college career with 273 tackles, 22.5 tackles-for-loss, and 6.5 sacks, then earned an invitation to the Hula Bowl all-star game.
New York Giants (2023–2024)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Johnson signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. He was waived at final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, but quickly re-signed to the practice squad the following day, where he spent the entire 2023 season. On January 8, 2024, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Giants to remain in the organization.
Johnson became a standout performer in the Giants’ 2024 training camp. In the preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, he recorded four tackles, two for a loss, and a sack before suffering an ankle sprain that forced him to miss the remainder of the preseason. He was announced as part of the initial 53-man roster on August 27, 2024, but was placed on injured reserve the next day. He was activated on December 24, 2024, and finished his NFL career with the Giants having recorded 11 total tackles. On March 26, 2025, Johnson re-signed with the Giants, but was waived on August 23.
Birmingham Stallions (2026–Present)
On January 14, 2026, Johnson joined the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League, continuing his professional career in the spring football league. He remains an active member of the Stallions roster as a linebacker.
Driving Style and Strengths
Johnson’s game is built on availability, consistency, and tackling production. He rarely left the field during his collegiate career and showed a steady ability to accumulate tackles against the run while contributing as a pass rusher when called upon. His instincts, durability, and leadership in the middle of the defense made him a reliable every-down linebacker.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature moments, Johnson was named defensive MVP of the 2022 MAC Championship Game after recording eight tackles in the title contest. He also earned invitations to the Hula Bowl all-star game and posted a productive preseason debut with the Giants before his injury in 2024.
Dyontae Johnson Career Wins
Dyontae Antjuan Johnson’s career is highlighted by team championships and individual accolades earned at the high school and collegiate levels. While he has not yet posted a verified professional win as a starter, his track record includes state, regional, and conference championship success.
Other Wins & Performances
At Cass Technical High School, Johnson helped the program capture a state championship in 2016 and two regional titles in 2016 and 2017. In college, he was part of the Toledo Rockets team that won the 2022 MAC Championship Game, where he also earned defensive MVP honors.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Johnson re-signed with the New York Giants on March 26 in an effort to earn a roster spot for the upcoming season. He continued to push for a role in the linebacker room during the offseason program and into training camp.
However, on August 23, Johnson was waived by the Giants, ending his time with the organization. His departure opened the door for his next professional chapter, as he was later selected by the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL on January 14, 2026.