Zack Johnson Bio
Zackary J. Johnson is an American professional football offensive guard whose career has carried him from a celebrated college program at North Dakota State to multiple National Football League organizations and a championship season in the United Football League. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and competing at 300 pounds, Johnson has built a profile as a versatile lineman capable of playing both tackle and guard at the professional level. He is recognized for his durability, technique, and contributions to championship-caliber rosters at every major stop of his career.
Early Life and Background
Zackary J. Johnson was born on January 19, 1997, in Blaine, Minnesota, where he grew up in a household with strong athletic ties. His brother, Ben, later played college football for the Bemidji State Beavers, instilling a competitive environment that helped shape Johnson’s early interest in sports. Johnson attended Spring Lake Park High School in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, where he distinguished himself as a three-year varsity letter winner in football while also participating in hockey and baseball.
During his high school years, Johnson played multiple positions on the football field, including offensive tackle, defensive tackle, and placekicker, demonstrating the versatility that would later define his professional profile. As a senior, his performance earned him Associated Press third-team all-state honors as well as Star Tribune second-team all-metro recognition, confirming his status as one of the top high school linemen in Minnesota. Following his senior season, Johnson committed to play college football for the North Dakota State University Bison, setting the stage for one of the most decorated careers in program history.
Path to American Football
Johnson’s path to professional football began with his redshirt freshman season at North Dakota State in 2015, when he was a member of the Bison’s national championship team, although he did not see game action that year. In 2016, he saw limited offensive playing time, appearing in only the final few games of the season and lining up at left tackle, where he shared the field with another player also named Zack Johnson. He appeared in a total of eight games that year, gaining valuable experience as he adjusted to the speed and physicality of college football.
As a sophomore in 2017, Johnson earned a full-time starting role at right tackle, a position he would hold for the remainder of his college career. He started all 15 games that season, helping North Dakota State set a school record in rushing yards, and was named honorable mention all-conference as the Bison captured another national championship. His steady development in pass protection and run blocking set the foundation for what would become a historic college career and an eventual transition to the National Football League.
Zack Johnson Career
College Career (2015–2019)
Johnson’s college career at North Dakota State spanned five seasons, during which he was part of four Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national title-winning teams. After redshirting in 2015 and playing a limited role in 2016, he became a full-time starter at right tackle in 2017 and never relinquished the role. He started every game in both 2017 and 2018, allowing only two sacks in 2018 while helping the Bison win consecutive national championships.
As a senior in 2019, Johnson moved to right guard and started all 16 games, surrendering just one sack while leading North Dakota State to a third consecutive national title. His senior campaign earned him first-team All-American and first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors, and he was invited to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Across his career, Johnson was a two-time FCS All-American and a four-time FCS champion, cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished linemen in Bison history.
Green Bay Packers (2020–2021)
After going unselected in the 2020 NFL Draft, Zackary J. Johnson signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional journey in one of the league’s most storied organizations. He was released at the final roster cuts but was quickly re-signed to the practice squad, where he continued to develop. Johnson was elevated to the active roster for a game against the Carolina Panthers, though he did not appear in the match.
On January 27, 2021, Johnson signed a reserve and futures contract with the Packers, securing his place on the offseason roster. He was ultimately released by Green Bay on August 17, 2021, ending his first NFL chapter and setting the stage for a series of practice squad opportunities across the league.
Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos (2021–2022)
Johnson was signed to the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals on September 30, 2021, where he spent nearly a month before being released on October 29, 2021. Shortly thereafter, on November 24, 2021, he joined the practice squad of the Denver Broncos, signing a futures contract on January 10, 2022. He was released by Denver on May 13 before being re-signed on May 17, and was ultimately released at the final roster cuts on August 30, 2022.
Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans (2022–2023)
The Baltimore Ravens signed Johnson to their practice squad on September 27, 2022, releasing him on December 20 of the same year. On December 21, 2022, Johnson signed with the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans after his former North Dakota State teammate Dillon Radunz went on injured reserve. He was elevated to the active roster for the Titans’ game against the Dallas Cowboys and made his NFL debut in a 27–13 loss, appearing on four offensive and three special teams snaps. Johnson signed a futures contract with the Titans on January 10, 2023, before being waived on August 27, 2023.
Birmingham Stallions (2023–2024)
On October 11, 2023, Johnson signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League, marking a turning point in his professional career. He became a key contributor on the offensive line and helped the Stallions capture the 2024 UFL Championship. On June 5, 2024, Johnson was named to the 2024 All-UFL Team, recognizing his standout play during the spring season.
Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers (2024)
On July 27, 2024, Johnson signed with the Cleveland Browns, although he was waived on August 26 during final roster cuts. On December 31, 2024, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad, later signing a reserve and future contract with the team on January 6, 2025. Johnson was waived by the 49ers on August 9, 2025.
Detroit Lions (2025)
On August 14, 2025, Zackary J. Johnson signed with the Detroit Lions. He was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of the team’s final roster cuts, concluding his most recent NFL opportunity.
Driving Style and Strengths
Throughout his career, Johnson has been praised for his positional versatility, having played both offensive tackle and guard at the collegiate and professional levels. His technique in pass protection, developed across more than 50 college starts, has allowed him to limit sacks and provide stability along offensive lines. At 6 feet 6 inches and 300 pounds, he combines the size and footwork needed to handle interior and edge pass rushers alike.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson’s most defining milestones include four FCS national championships with North Dakota State, two FCS All-American selections, and a UFL Championship with the Birmingham Stallions in 2024. His NFL debut with the Tennessee Titans in 2022 and his All-UFL recognition stand as highlights of a journey defined by perseverance through multiple practice squad transitions.
Zack Johnson Career Wins
Zackary J. Johnson has compiled a championship resume that includes four FCS national titles at North Dakota State and one UFL Championship with the Birmingham Stallions. Across both college and professional levels, his teams have consistently competed at the highest stages of their respective competitions.
College Highlights
Johnson won four FCS national championships with the North Dakota State Bison in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019, anchoring an offensive line that set school records in rushing yards. He was a two-time FCS All-American in 2018 and 2019 and a two-time first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection, capping his college career with an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
UFL Highlights
In the United Football League, Johnson helped the Birmingham Stallions win the 2024 UFL Championship and was named to the 2024 All-UFL Team in recognition of his performance along the offensive line.
Zack Johnson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Zackary J. Johnson comes from a family with strong athletic roots. His brother, Ben, played college football for the Bemidji State Beavers, reinforcing the family’s longstanding connection to competitive sports.
Personal Life
Johnson was raised in Blaine, Minnesota, and attended Spring Lake Park High School, where he developed the foundation for his football career. Public information about his personal relationships remains limited.
2025 Season Performance
Zackary J. Johnson entered 2025 as a veteran offensive lineman seeking a consistent roster home after a year that included stints with the Birmingham Stallions, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers. He signed a reserve and future contract with the 49ers in early January, giving him a full offseason to compete for a depth role along the offensive line. On August 9, 2025, he was waived by San Francisco, but he quickly found a new opportunity.
On August 14, 2025, Johnson signed with the Detroit Lions, joining a competitive offensive line room in Detroit. His time with the Lions was brief, as he was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of the team’s final roster cuts ahead of the regular season.
Despite the recent release, Johnson’s track record of championship play and positional versatility leaves open the possibility of future signings with NFL practice squads or spring league rosters. His ability to play both tackle and guard, combined with his championship experience at both the FCS and UFL levels, makes him a dependable depth option for teams in need of offensive line reinforcement.