John Johnson III Bio
John Johnson III (born December 19, 1995) is an American professional football safety who has played in the National Football League (NFL) since 2017. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Johnson earned a starting role as a rookie and developed into one of the team’s most reliable defensive backs. After four seasons in Los Angeles, he signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2021 and later returned to the Rams in 2023.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing around 205 pounds, Johnson has built his career on strong tackling, ball-hawking ability, and football intelligence. He has been a consistent presence in the secondary, logging double-digit starts in most seasons and contributing on special teams throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
John Johnson III was born on December 19, 1995, in Hyattsville, Maryland, and grew up in the same community where he later became a local sports figure. He attended Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, where he played both wide receiver and safety under head coach Brian Pierre. As a senior, Johnson finished with 50 combined tackles, 13 pass deflections, six tackles for a loss, and five interceptions, showing the versatility that would later define his professional career.
Despite his productive high school career, Johnson was rated as only a two-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals.com. He received a total of ten college offers, including invitations from Boston College, Lehigh, Bucknell, Buffalo, Duke, UMass, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Towson, and Ohio. Johnson took his only college visit to Boston College on June 1, 2012, and impressed at a Boston College camp later that month. He officially committed to the program on July 23, 2012, citing the school’s academic reputation as a major factor in his decision.
Path to the NFL
Johnson enrolled at Boston College in 2013 and quickly contributed as a freshman. He made his collegiate debut in the Eagles’ season-opening 24–14 victory over the Villanova Wildcats and went on to play cornerback and special teams during his first year. He finished his freshman season with four combined tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a fumble recovery in 12 games, and he recorded his first career fumble recovery in the 2013 AdvoCare V100 Bowl against Arizona on December 31, 2013.
Following his college career, Johnson accepted an invitation to the 2017 Senior Bowl and participated in the NFL Combine, completing all required drills. He also worked out at Boston College’s pro day on March 14, 2017. DraftScout.com ranked him as the seventh-best free safety prospect in the 2017 draft class. The Los Angeles Rams selected him in the third round with the 91st overall pick, making him the tenth safety taken in that year’s draft.
John Johnson III Career
Early Career (2017)
Johnson signed a four-year, $3.25 million rookie contract with the Los Angeles Rams on June 9, 2017. He entered training camp as a backup behind Lamarcus Joyner and Maurice Alexander but earned his first career start on October 8, 2017, replacing Maurice Alexander during a 16–10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. In that game, he recorded three combined tackles, two pass deflections, and his first career interception off Russell Wilson.
The Rams finished the 2017 season atop the NFC West with an 11–5 record, and Johnson started in the team’s Wild Card loss to the Atlanta Falcons. He finished his rookie season with 75 combined tackles, 11 pass deflections, and one interception across 16 games and 11 starts. Pro Football Focus graded him at 85.8, ranking him 15th among all qualifying safeties that year.
Los Angeles Rams Breakout (2018–2019)
In 2018, Johnson became a full-time starter and delivered one of the strongest seasons of his career. He recorded a career-high four interceptions and 119 combined tackles while starting all 16 games. The Rams finished 13–3 and advanced to Super Bowl LIII after a 26–23 overtime victory over the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship Game. Johnson recorded a key interception off Drew Brees in that contest and later started in the Super Bowl LIII loss to the New England Patriots, finishing with seven tackles.
His 2019 campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury suffered in Week 6, but he still posted 51 combined tackles and two interceptions in six games. Johnson was placed on injured reserve on October 16, 2019, and missed the remainder of the season as the Rams continued their defensive efforts without him.
Cleveland Browns Era (2021–2022)
On March 15, 2021, the Cleveland Browns signed Johnson to a three-year, $33.75 million contract that included $24 million in guaranteed money. He was named the starting strong safety and paired with Ronnie Harrison to begin the season. In his Browns debut at the Kansas City Chiefs, Johnson posted five tackles and a pass deflection, and he later recorded interceptions against Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson during the year. He finished 2021 with 61 combined tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble in 15 starts.
Johnson started all 14 games he appeared in during 2022, finishing with 81 total tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. The Browns officially released him on March 15, 2023, as a designated Post-June 1 release, ending his Cleveland tenure.
Los Angeles Rams Second Stint (2023–2024)
On August 7, 2023, the Los Angeles Rams signed Johnson to a one-year, $1.08 million veteran-minimum contract. He started the final seven games of the regular season and recorded his first interception back with the Rams against the Cleveland Browns in a 36–19 victory on December 3. Johnson also started the Rams’ 24–23 NFC Wild Card loss to the Detroit Lions.
He re-signed with the Rams on July 11, 2024, on another one-year deal worth $1.37 million. After starting in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, Johnson announced via Twitter on September 15, 2024, that he had suffered a hairline fracture in his scapula. He was placed on injured reserve but returned briefly for the Rams’ 27–9 Wild Card victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Driving Style and Strengths
Johnson is known for his tackling consistency, dependable open-field play, and sharp awareness in coverage. His ability to play both strong and free safety has allowed defensive coordinators to use him in a variety of alignments, while his preparation and football IQ have made him a steady contributor against both the run and the pass.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Johnson’s most memorable career moments was his overtime interception of Drew Brees in the 2018 NFC Championship Game to help send the Rams to Super Bowl LIII. He has also posted four career interceptions in a single season and recorded at least one interception in five different NFL seasons.
John Johnson III Career Statistics
Across his NFL career, John Johnson III has played for the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns, logging multiple seasons of 75 or more combined tackles and contributing regularly in coverage. He has recorded multiple interceptions in several seasons and has been a durable presence in the secondary.
Rams Career Highlights
In his first Rams stint, Johnson recorded a career-high four interceptions during the 2018 season and posted 119 combined tackles, his highest single-season total. His overtime interception of Drew Brees in the 2018 NFC Championship Game stands as one of the most memorable plays of his career, helping Los Angeles reach Super Bowl LIII.
Browns Career Highlights
During his time in Cleveland, Johnson started 29 games across two seasons and recorded four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His 81-tackle performance in 2022 marked his highest total as a Brown and ranked among the team’s top defensive outputs at the position.
John Johnson III Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Public information about John Johnson III’s family background remains limited. He grew up in Hyattsville, Maryland, and has credited his upbringing and education as important influences on his career path, particularly when he chose Boston College for its academic reputation.
Details about his personal life, including marital status and children, have not been publicly confirmed through verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
Following the 2024 season, John Johnson III became a free agent. On August 27, 2025, the NFL suspended him for three games due to an undisclosed reason, placing his early-season availability in question. The suspension overshadowed what had been a strong start to his offseason with the Rams after his 2024 return from injury.
Once the suspension is served, Johnson is expected to compete for a role in the Los Angeles secondary. The Rams’ defensive staff values his experience, tackling ability, and knowledge of their scheme, which could give him an opportunity to contribute later in the season.
His veteran presence and history of durability suggest he remains a candidate to return to a meaningful role once eligible. Johnson’s career arc, from third-round draft pick to Super Bowl starter and respected team leader, positions him as a potential contributor if he returns to full health and availability in 2025.