Johnny Lumpkin Bio
Johnny Lumpkin is an American professional football tight end who has spent his early NFL career bouncing between practice squads of multiple franchises. Born on September 3, 1997, in Atlanta, Georgia, Lumpkin developed into a promising tight end after beginning his football journey at Frederick Douglass High School in his home state. Following an impressive high school career that saw him earn 3-star recruit status with 17 Division I offers, Lumpkin went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft but was signed by the New England Patriots as a free agent. Since then, he has demonstrated his determination to carve out a role in professional football through stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, and most recently the Green Bay Packers.
Early Life and Background
Johnny Lumpkin grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where he attended Frederick Douglass High School. During his senior year, Lumpkin established himself as a top prospect by earning first-team All-Region honors. His 3-star recruit ranking attracted significant attention from college programs, with 17 Division I schools extending scholarship offers to the talented tight end. Beyond football, Lumpkin also excelled on the basketball court, starting in all games as both a junior and senior, showcasing the multi-sport athleticism that would serve him well in his football career.
Path to the NFL
After declining offers from numerous Division I programs, Lumpkin initially chose to play at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. The 6-foot-5, 264-pound athlete spent two seasons (2016-2017) with the Hutchinson Blue Dragons, developing his skills against junior college competition while refining his abilities as a tight end. His progress attracted attention from larger programs, leading to a transfer to the University of Louisiana, where he joined the Ragin’ Cajuns football program from 2018 through 2022.
At Louisiana, Lumpkin continued to hone his craft in the Sun Belt Conference, playing alongside future professional teammates and facing quality competition. His collegiate career provided him with the experience needed to make the leap to professional football, though he entered the 2023 NFL Draft without being selected. Despite going undrafted, his size, athleticism, and college production earned him an opportunity with an NFL franchise.
Johnny Lumpkin Career
New England Patriots (2023)
Johnny Lumpkin signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2023, following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Patriots saw potential in the former Ragin’ Cajun’s combination of size and athleticism, adding him to their roster during offseason activities. Lumpkin participated in training camp and preseason activities with the organization, working to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. However, the Patriots waived Lumpkin on August 27, 2023, as part of their roster cuts to reach the regular-season limit.
Indianapolis Colts (2023)
Following his release from New England, Lumpkin quickly found a new opportunity. On August 31, 2023, just days after clearing waivers, he was signed to the Indianapolis Colts practice squad. This move allowed him to remain with an NFL organization while continuing to develop his skills and learn the Colts’ offensive system. Practice squad members work closely with the coaching staff and scout team, providing development opportunities for players like Lumpkin who are working to establish themselves in the league. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Colts proved brief, as he was released from the practice squad on September 12, 2023.
Denver Broncos (2024)
After spending the remainder of the 2023 season without an NFL team, Lumpkin received another opportunity at the start of the new year. On January 2, 2024, he was signed to the Denver Broncos practice squad. This signing came as teams were preparing for the final stretch of the regular season and offseason roster building. Lumpkin spent the remainder of the 2023 season and the early part of 2024 with the Broncos organization. However, he was not signed to a reserve/future contract at the season’s end, making him a free agent once again when the 2024 league year began.
Green Bay Packers (2024-Present)
Lumpkin’s persistence paid off when he signed with the Green Bay Packers practice squad on September 10, 2024. The Packers, one of the NFL’s historic franchises, provided Lumpkin with another opportunity to demonstrate his abilities. He remained with the organization for a couple of weeks before being released on September 24, 2024. Not deterred by this setback, Lumpkin continued working toward an NFL roster spot. His dedication was rewarded when he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Packers on January 14, 2025. Reserve/futures contracts are common for players who finish the season on a team’s practice squad or injury list, guaranteeing a spot on the roster when the new league year begins. However, Lumpkin was released on August 26, 2025, as part of the Packers’ final roster cuts heading into the regular season.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 5 inches and 264 pounds, Johnny Lumpkin possesses the prototypical size NFL teams look for in a tight end. His height gives him a significant advantage when contested catches are needed in the red zone or on third downs. Lumpkin’s experience playing multiple sports in high school, particularly basketball, contributed to his hand-eye coordination and body control when catching passes. His college career at both Hutchinson and Louisiana provided him with a diverse background in different offensive schemes, making him a flexible addition to any team that signs him.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his young career, Lumpkin’s most significant milestone has been his resilience in remaining in the NFL despite multiple transactions. Being signed to four different organizations in just over two years demonstrates the determination required to stick in professional football. His January 2025 reserve/futures contract with the Packers represented a step forward in establishing himself as a viable NFL player, though he was released during final roster cuts that August. Each practice squad stint has provided valuable experience in professional offensive systems and the opportunity to refine his technique under NFL coaching.
Johnny Lumpkin Career Timeline
Johnny Lumpkin’s NFL journey began immediately after the 2023 NFL Draft when the New England Patriots signed him as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2023. After being waived by the Patriots in late August, he joined the Indianapolis Colts practice squad at the end of August 2023, only to be released two weeks later in mid-September. The beginning of 2024 brought another opportunity when the Denver Broncos signed him to their practice squad on January 2, 2024. Later that year in September, Lumpkin joined the Green Bay Packers practice squad, and his strong showing led to a reserve/futures contract in January 2025. Despite the August 2025 release, Lumpkin has demonstrated the persistence necessary for an undrafted player trying to establish a professional career.
Johnny Lumpkin Family
Personal Life
Johnny Lumpkin was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 3, 1997. His early years in Atlanta provided him with the foundation for his athletic development, and his success at Frederick Douglass High School reflected both his natural talent and dedication to the sport. Publicly available information about Lumpkin’s family, relationships, or children has not been verified through reliable sources, so this aspect of his personal life remains private.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked another chapter in Johnny Lumpkin’s journey to establish himself in the NFL. After signing a reserve/futures contract with the Green Bay Packers in January, Lumpkin participated in the Packers’ offseason program, training camp, and preseason activities. The August release during final roster cuts indicated that he did not secure a spot on the Packers’ 53-man roster for the regular season. However, Lumpkin’s continued presence in the league following multiple transactions demonstrates that NFL teams continue to see potential in his combination of size and athleticism. His future in professional football will likely depend on continued development and the right opportunity with a team seeking depth at the tight end position.