Nazeeh Johnson

Nazeeh Johnson Bio

Nazeeh Johnson (born July 17, 1998) is an American professional football cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Johnson played college football for the Marshall Thundering Herd before being selected by the Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In his brief NFL career, Johnson has already achieved championship success, winning two Super Bowl titles with Kansas City during his first three seasons in the league.

Early Life and Background

Nazeeh Johnson was born on July 17, 1998, in Martinsburg, West Virginia. He grew up in the eastern panhandle region of West Virginia and attended Millbrook High School in Winchester, Virginia. During his high school years, Johnson played football as a defensive back, developing the skills that would later define his professional career.

Despite his eventual success at the collegiate level, Johnson was unranked as a recruit by 247Sports.com coming out of high school. This lack of initial recognition did not deter his ambitions, as he pursued opportunities to continue his football career at the next level.

Path to the NFL

Johnson chose to continue his football journey at Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia. He majored in Communications and walked on to the Marshall football team, earning his place through determination and performance rather than a scholarship offer. His commitment to the program paid immediate dividends as he worked his way into a significant role.

Johnson’s progression at Marshall was steady and impressive. He eventually became a four-year starter for the Thundering Herd defense, accumulating substantial playing time and developing into a reliable defensive back. Over his collegiate career, he totaled 302 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, seven interceptions, 19 passes defended, and one defensive touchdown. These statistics demonstrated his versatility and consistency at the college level, positioning him for consideration by NFL scouts despite his initial lack of recruiting recognition.

Nazeeh Johnson Career

Early Career (2022)

Nazeeh Johnson entered the NFL as a seventh-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs selected him with the 259th overall pick, choosing him to join their defensive roster. His selection came after an impressive pro day performance that showcased his athleticism and cover skills to NFL scouts.

Johnson’s transition to the professional level began with the Chiefs’ offseason program. He reported to training camp with the rookie class and competed for a spot on the active roster. The competition at the cornerback position was fierce, but Johnson’s versatility and special teams ability made him a valuable asset for the defending AFC Champions.

Kansas City Chiefs Breakthrough (2022–Present)

Johnson began his rookie season with the Chiefs but faced an immediate roster challenge. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 30, 2022, a common outcome for seventh-round draft picks. However, his tenure with the organization was far from over, as the Chiefs immediately signed him to their practice squad to retain his services.

Johnson’s persistence paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on September 28, 2022. His promotion came at a crucial point in the season as the Chiefs pursued their playoff objectives. The cornerback contributed immediately on special teams and provided depth in the defensive backfield during the regular season.

The pinnacle of Johnson’s rookie season arrived when the Chiefs faced the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. Kansas City defeated Philadelphia in a closely contested championship game, earning Johnson his first Super Bowl ring. The victory marked a remarkable start to his professional career, as he became a champion just months after being a seventh-round selection.

The 2023 season presented significant challenges for Johnson. During training camp, he suffered a torn ACL that required season-ending surgery. The injury occurred during the Chiefs’ preparations for the new season, forcing him onto injured reserve on July 30, 2023. Despite Johnson’s absence, Kansas City navigated the season successfully and defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, securing Johnson’s second consecutive championship ring without him taking the field during the playoff run.

Johnson’s recovery and dedication were rewarded when he re-signed with the Chiefs on March 11, 2024. Returning for his third season with the organization, he worked to reclaim his spot in the defensive rotation. In the 2024 season, Johnson recorded 56 tackles, one sack, and three passes defended, demonstrating his ability to contribute in various aspects of the defense while remaining a reliable presence in the secondary.

Kansas City Chiefs Era (2022–Present)

Johnson’s tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs has been defined by resilience and championship success. From his initial arrival as a seventh-round draft pick to his current status as a veteran member of the roster, he has demonstrated the characteristics that coaches value in professional football players.

The 2025 preseason brought new challenges for Johnson. During an August 15 preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, he departed the contest early due to a shoulder injury. The injury required placement on injured reserve on August 27, 2025, ending his availability for the early portion of the regular season. This setback marked the second significant injury of his professional career, following his 2023 ACL tear.

Johnson’s perseverance continued as he worked through his rehabilitation. He was activated from injured reserve on December 24, 2025, ahead of the team’s Week 14 matchup against the Denver Broncos. His return provided the Chiefs’ secondary with additional depth and experience as they competed through the stretch run of the 2025 season.

Playing Style and Strengths

Johnson operates primarily as a cornerback, aligning with the defensive scheme that the Chiefs employ. His collegiate background at Marshall, where he accumulated significant playing time and production statistics, provided him with the experience necessary to contribute at the professional level. He has demonstrated effectiveness in tackling and has shown the ability to rush the quarterback, evidenced by his sack production. His special teams contributions have been instrumental in earning and maintaining his roster spot with Kansas City.

Notable Events and Milestones

Johnson’s professional career has been marked by rapid championship success. Winning two Super Bowl titles within his first three seasons represents a remarkable achievement, particularly given his status as a seventh-round draft selection. The Super Bowl LVII victory in February 2023 and the Super Bowl LVIII championship in February 2024 established him as a proven winner at the sport’s highest level. His recovery from the ACL injury sustained in 2023 and subsequent return to the active roster demonstrated his mental toughness and commitment to the game.

Nazeeh Johnson Career Statistics

Johnson has compiled statistics across his collegiate and professional career, demonstrating consistent production and the ability to make plays in various aspects of the game.

College Statistics (Marshall Thundering Herd)

Over four seasons as a starter at Marshall, Johnson established himself as one of the program’s most reliable defensive backs. He recorded 302 total tackles, including six tackles for loss and one sack. His coverage skills were evident through seven interceptions and 19 passes defended. Johnson also scored one defensive touchdown during his collegiate career, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays.

Professional Statistics (NFL)

Through the 2025 season, Johnson has accumulated 66 total tackles, three pass deflections, and one sack at the NFL level. While his tackle numbers reflect his role as a depth player and special teams contributor rather than a primary starter, his championship pedigree and positional versatility have made him a valued member of the Chiefs’ defensive unit.

Nazeeh Johnson Family

Family Background

Limited verified information is available regarding Johnson’s family background. He was born and raised in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and attended high school in nearby Winchester, Virginia. His path from being an unranked high school recruit to becoming a two-time Super Bowl champion demonstrates the determination and work ethic that have characterized his journey in football.

Personal Life

Johnson majored in Communications during his time at Marshall University, pursuing a degree outside of football that reflected his interests in media and communication. His professional career has been characterized by resilience, particularly in overcoming injuries while maintaining his roster position with one of the NFL’s premier organizations. Johnson continues to reside in the Midwest during the football season while maintaining connections to his West Virginia roots.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented another test of Johnson’s durability and commitment to his craft. A shoulder injury sustained during the preseason required an extended recovery period, resulting in his placement on injured reserve in late August. The injury occurred during a preseason contest against the Seattle Seahawks, cutting short his preparation for the regular season.

Johnson’s rehabilitation process concluded successfully, leading to his activation from injured reserve on December 24, 2025. His return came at a meaningful point in the season as the Chiefs competed for playoff positioning. The Week 14 matchup against the Denver Broncos marked his return to active duty after several months of recovery and conditioning.

Looking ahead, Johnson provides valuable depth and experience for the Chiefs’ secondary as the organization pursues continued championship success. His ability to contribute on special teams and in rotational defensive roles makes him a versatile piece of the roster. The 2026 season will offer Johnson an opportunity to build upon his recovery and demonstrate full health while competing for a expanded role within Kansas City’s defensive scheme.