Caleb Johnson Bio
Caleb Johnson is an American professional football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He played college football at Houston Baptist University, where he developed into one of the top defensive players in the Southland Conference. After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, Johnson signed with the Chicago Bears and made history by becoming the first Houston Baptist player to sign an NFL contract. His professional career has included stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Caleb Johnson was born on July 28, 1998, in San Diego, California. He attended Point Loma High School in his hometown, where he developed the foundational skills that would guide his future football career. Growing up in the competitive athletic environment of Southern California provided Johnson with valuable opportunities to refine his abilities and prepare for higher levels of competition.
His high school career at Point Loma helped shape him into a disciplined and dedicated athlete. Johnson’s performance during his teenage years laid the groundwork for his transition to the college football ranks, where he would ultimately establish himself as a dominant defensive player.
Path to Professional Football
Following his graduation from Point Loma High School, Johnson enrolled at Houston Baptist University in 2016. This transition marked an important step in his football journey, as he sought to prove himself among more competitive collegiate talent. The move from high school to the NCAA represented a significant adjustment period, but Johnson’s work ethic and determination enabled him to make a smooth transition.
During his four seasons at Houston Baptist, Johnson steadily developed into a standout defender. His progression through the college ranks allowed him to refine his tackling technique, improve his football IQ, and build the foundation for his professional career. By his senior year, he had become one of the most respected defensive players in the conference.
Caleb Johnson Career
College Career at Houston Baptist (2016-2020)
Johnson played for the Houston Baptist Huskies from 2016 to 2020, establishing himself as a four-year contributor to the program’s defense. His consistency and reliability made him a cornerstone of the Huskies’ defensive unit throughout his collegiate career.
As a senior in 2020, Johnson delivered an exceptional performance despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a shortened season, he recorded 49 tackles in just four games and earned Southland Conference co-Defensive Player of the Year honors. Over his entire college career, Johnson accumulated 278 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks, and seven fumble recoveries, demonstrating his versatility and impact along the defensive line.
Chicago Bears (2021-2022)
Despite going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, Johnson’s impressive collegiate career attracted attention from professional scouts. On May 14, 2021, he signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent, making history as the first Houston Baptist player to sign an NFL contract. This milestone represented a significant achievement for both Johnson and his university program.
Johnson’s determination and strong training camp performances earned him a spot on the Bears’ 53-man roster out of camp, validating his ability to compete at the professional level. His success in making an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent spoke to his football intelligence and physical tools. However, his tenure with Chicago ended on August 31, 2022, when the Bears waived him, leading him to seek opportunities with another franchise.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2022-2024)
On September 1, 2022, Johnson was claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars, providing him with an immediate opportunity to continue his NFL career. Joining the Jaguars allowed Johnson to gain valuable experience within a different defensive system while competing against some of the league’s most talented offenses.
During his time with Jacksonville, Johnson served as a rotational linebacker and contributed on special teams. His versatility and adaptability made him a valuable depth piece for the Jaguars’ defense. He remained with the organization through the 2024 season, continuing to develop his craft in professional football.
Atlanta Falcons (2025)
In May 2025, Johnson signed with the Atlanta Falcons, beginning a new chapter with a different defensive scheme and team environment. This move represented another opportunity for Johnson to compete for a larger role within an NFL franchise. He participated in the Falcons’ offseason program and training camp, working to earn a more prominent position on the roster.
Despite his efforts, Johnson was waived by the Falcons on August 23, 2025, as the team finalized its roster decisions. This transaction set the stage for Johnson’s next professional opportunity with another organization.
Miami Dolphins (2025-Present)
Following his release from Atlanta, Johnson joined the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad on October 1, 2025. This signing offered Johnson a fresh start with a franchise known for its competitive defensive unit and passionate fan base. Joining the practice squad allowed him to learn the Dolphins’ defensive concepts while remaining ready for any opportunities that might arise.
Johnson’s persistence paid off when he was promoted to the Dolphins’ active roster on November 26, 2025. In just two appearances with Miami, he recorded two combined tackles, showing his ability to contribute when called upon. His season, however, was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on December 12 due to a shoulder injury sustained during Week 14 against the New York Jets.
Playing Style and Strengths
Johnson is recognized for his physicality and instincts as a linebacker. His capacity to read offensive plays and react quickly enables him to make tackles behind the line of scrimmage and disrupt opposing drives. His experience across multiple NFL defensive systems has broadened his understanding of various schemes and responsibilities. Johnson’s special teams experience adds additional value to his overall contribution as a versatile depth player.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson’s professional journey includes several significant milestones, beginning with his historic status as the first Houston Baptist player to sign an NFL contract. His Southland Conference co-Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2020 highlighted his dominance at the collegiate level. His career path through multiple teams demonstrates resilience and adaptability, qualities essential for sustained success in the competitive NFL environment.
Caleb Johnson Career Statistics
Johnson has appeared in games across four NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Miami Dolphins. His statistical contributions include tackles, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries, demonstrating his ability to make plays on the ball and create turnovers at the professional level.
College Statistics (Houston Baptist)
During his four-year career at Houston Baptist, Johnson established himself as one of the most productive defensive players in program history. He finished with 278 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks, and seven fumble recoveries. His senior season was particularly impressive, as he earned conference co-Defensive Player of the Year honors despite playing in only four games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.
Professional Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Johnson has recorded 40 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery across his NFL career. While his traditional statistics remain modest due to limited starting opportunities, his contributions on special teams and as a rotational defender have provided consistent value to each organization he has joined.
Caleb Johnson Personal Life
Johnson was born on July 28, 1998, in San Diego, California, where he grew up attending Point Loma High School. His roots in the San Diego athletic community have played a formative role in his development as a football player. The competitive environment of Southern California football helped cultivate the skills and determination that have defined his career.
Johnson maintains a presence on social media, connecting with fans and sharing updates about his football career. While he prefers to keep details of his personal life private, his professional achievements and work ethic remain central to his public identity and reputation within the football community.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of significant transitions for Johnson. After beginning the year with the Atlanta Falcons organization and being waived during training camp, he found an opportunity with the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad in October. His subsequent promotion to the active roster in late November demonstrated the Dolphins’ confidence in his abilities as a depth linebacker and special teams contributor.
Despite a promising start with limited game appearances, Johnson’s season was cut short by a shoulder injury that required placement on injured reserve in December. The injury setback occurred during a Week 14 matchup against the New York Jets, ending his 2025 campaign prematurely. Nevertheless, Johnson’s resilience in navigating multiple team changes throughout the season highlights his dedication to continuing his NFL career.
Looking ahead, Johnson will aim to recover fully from his injury and compete for a more prominent role with the Miami Dolphins defense. His experience across four different NFL organizations and his proven ability to contribute on special teams make him a valuable commodity as he works toward establishing himself as a consistent professional player.