Cornelius Johnson

Cornelius Alexius Theodore Johnson Bio

Cornelius Alexius Theodore Johnson, born on November 29, 2000, is an American professional football wide receiver currently playing for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 2019 to 2023, helping the program capture three consecutive Big Ten Conference titles and the 2023 national championship. The Los Angeles Chargers selected Johnson in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 253rd overall pick. His professional journey has included practice squad stints with three NFL franchises, and he continues to develop his potential within the football community.

Early Life and Background

Cornelius Alexius Theodore Johnson grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he attended Brunswick School and developed into one of the region’s top high school football prospects. As a senior in 2018, Johnson earned Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year honors after catching 50 passes for 826 yards and 12 touchdowns. His performance helped lead the Bruins to an 8-2 record and a spot in the New England Prep School Athletic Council Mike Silipo Bowl Game.

Johnson also participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he demonstrated his versatility by scoring on both a rushing play and a kickoff return. A two-time All-New England selection, he concluded his high school career with impressive totals of 2,167 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns. His mother holds a degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, which influenced his decision to continue his football career at Michigan. In December 2018, Johnson publicly announced his commitment to play college football at the University of Michigan.

College Career

Michigan Wolverines (2019–2023)

Cornelius Alexius Theodore Johnson arrived at the University of Michigan in 2019 and made an immediate impact as a freshman, appearing in 13 games and catching four passes for 61 yards and his first career touchdown. That score came on a 39-yard pass from Shea Patterson against Michigan State on November 16, a memorable debut for the young receiver. His sophomore season in 2020 was limited to six games due to the COVID-shortened campaign, but he managed to record 16 receptions for 254 yards, including an 82-yard performance against Indiana and a 105-yard game versus Rutgers.

The 2021 season marked Johnson’s breakthrough as he led Michigan with 39 receptions for 620 yards and three touchdowns. On September 18, he connected with Cade McNamara for an 87-yard touchdown reception, the third longest in Michigan football history. His 2022 senior season saw him record 32 catches for 499 yards and six touchdowns, but his defining moment came against Ohio State on November 26 when he caught four passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns of 69 and 75 yards, both in the second quarter, helping Michigan secure a landmark victory over its rivals. Johnson returned for a fifth season in 2023, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention while compiling 47 receptions for 604 yards and one touchdown, plus 40 rushing yards, as Michigan captured the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Professional Career

Los Angeles Chargers (2024)

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Cornelius Alexius Theodore Johnson in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 253rd overall pick. He competed for a roster spot during training camp but was waived on August 27, 2024. The Chargers re-signed him to their practice squad, but he was released a few days later.

Green Bay Packers (2024–2025)

On September 18, 2024, Johnson signed with the Green Bay Packers practice squad, continuing his professional development. He signed a reserve/future contract with Green Bay on January 13, 2025, before being released on August 26, 2025, as part of the Packers’ final roster cuts.

Baltimore Ravens (2025–Present)

On September 9, 2025, the Baltimore Ravens signed Cornelius Alexius Theodore Johnson to their practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Baltimore on January 5, 2026. Joining the Ravens provided Johnson with an opportunity to develop within an organization known for developing talent at the wide receiver position.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Throughout his football career, Johnson has accumulated several notable accomplishments. At the high school level, he earned 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Connecticut and was a two-time All-New England selection, concluding his prep career with 2,167 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns. His collegiate career included three consecutive Big Ten Conference titles from 2021 to 2023 and the 2023 national championship with Michigan. In the NFL, he was drafted by the Chargers in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft and has been associated with three franchises during his early professional career. Across five seasons at Michigan, Johnson recorded 138 receptions for 1,538 yards and 11 touchdowns across 62 games.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Cornelius Alexius Theodore Johnson as he joined the Baltimore Ravens organization. Signed to the practice squad on September 9, 2025, he used the remainder of the season to learn the team’s offensive system and build chemistry with the quarterbacks and coaching staff. The Ravens’ established culture of developing talent provided an ideal environment for his continued growth as a professional receiver.

Johnson’s professional trajectory shows steady development despite limited opportunities. He appeared in limited games during the 2025 season, recording his first professional receptions while continuing to refine his route-running and adjust to the speed of professional football. The experience gained with the Ravens positioned him well for the 2026 season and beyond as he works toward securing a more substantial role on the active roster.

Career Statistics