Devodrick “Buddy” Johnson Bio
Devodrick “Buddy” Johnson is an American professional football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He was born on February 27, 1999, in Dallas, Texas, and currently resides in the area. Johnson was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round (140th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft after a standout college career at Texas A&M University. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighing 229 pounds (104 kg), he plays the linebacker position at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Johnson attended Justin F. Kimball High School in Dallas, Texas, where he developed his skills as a two-way player, excelling at both quarterback and outside linebacker. His versatility was evident from an early stage, allowing him to showcase his athletic abilities on both sides of the ball during his high school career.
As a junior at Kimball High School, Johnson earned second-team All-district honors at quarterback, demonstrating his potential as a dual-threat player. His senior year in 2016 proved to be his most productive, as he led the team with 472 rushing yards and 446 receiving yards while also contributing 268 passing yards. He earned All-district honors at linebacker, highlighting his impact on the defensive side of the ball as well.
College Career at Texas A&M
Johnson accepted a football scholarship from Texas A&M University, where he became a four-year contributor to the Aggies defense from 2017 to 2020. As a true freshman, he appeared in 12 games and compiled 20 tackles, one sack, and three quarterback pressures, showing promise as a rotational player.
His sophomore season saw increased production, with Johnson appearing in 12 games and tallying 27 tackles including 5.0 sacks and one fumble recovery. The development of his pass-rushing skills became a notable aspect of his game during this period.
Johnson’s junior year marked a breakthrough, as he started all 13 games and collected 77 tackles to lead the team, along with 9.5 tackles for loss. He earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording 11 tackles and recovering a fumble that he returned 62 yards for a touchdown against Ole Miss. His performance against Alabama included 11 tackles, demonstrating his ability to step up against top competition.
In his senior season during the COVID-19 impacted 2020 campaign, Johnson started all 10 games as part of the SEC’s top-ranked defense (ninth nationally). He led the team with 86 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles while ranking second on the team with 4 sacks. He finished his college career appearing in 47 games with 210 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, five passes defensed, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception.
Devodrick “Buddy” Johnson Career
Pittsburgh Steelers (2021)
Johnson was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round (140th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. On May 18, 2021, he signed a four-year rookie contract with the organization. His rookie season primarily saw him contribute on special teams, where he appeared in four games and recorded two special teams tackles before being waived on August 30, 2022.
San Francisco 49ers (2022)
Following his release from Pittsburgh, Johnson signed with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad on September 5, 2022. He remained on the practice squad for a portion of the season before being released on October 18, 2022.
Houston Texans (2022)
Johnson joined the Houston Texans organization on November 1, 2022, signing to their practice squad. This stint provided him with another opportunity to develop within an NFL system while awaiting a more permanent roster spot.
Chicago Bears (2023)
On July 25, 2023, Johnson signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears. His tenure with Chicago was brief, as he was waived/injured on August 17 and reverted to the Bears’ injured reserve list the following day after failing to pass through waivers. He was ultimately released by the Bears on October 3, 2023.
Dallas Cowboys (2023–2025)
Johnson signed with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad on October 24, 2023. He was elevated for two games where he recorded two special teams tackles and two tackles on defense. He made his postseason debut on special teams in the Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers.
Johnson signed a reserve/future contract with Dallas on January 15, 2024. After being declared inactive for the first three games, he appeared in each of the final 14 contests of the 2024 season. He primarily contributed on special teams, recording a career-high eight special teams tackles, including a standout performance of three special teams tackles against the Atlanta Falcons.
On August 26, 2025, Johnson was released by the Cowboys as part of final roster cuts and was re-signed to the practice squad the following day before his departure to Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts (2025–Present)
On September 30, 2025, Johnson was signed by the Indianapolis Colts off the Cowboys’ practice squad. This move marked a new chapter in his NFL career as he joined the Colts organization seeking to contribute at the linebacker position and continue his professional development with his sixth NFL franchise.
Playing Style and Strengths
Johnson has demonstrated versatility throughout his career, capable of playing multiple linebacker positions and contributing on special teams. His college career showed his ability to be a productive tackler and effective pass rusher, with the speed and instincts to make plays across the field. His experience at Texas A&M, particularly his leadership of a top-ranked SEC defense, highlights his capacity to perform in high-pressure situations against elite competition.
Devodrick “Buddy” Johnson Career Statistics
Johnson has appeared in limited defensive snaps throughout his NFL career, with his primary contributions coming on special teams units. His college career at Texas A&M showcased his full potential with 47 games played, 210 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks over four seasons.
College Statistics (Texas A&M 2017–2020)
Johnson finished his college career with 210 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, five passes defensed, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception across 47 games played. His senior season was his most productive, leading the team with 86 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss while anchoring the SEC’s top-ranked defense.
Professional NFL Statistics
Through the 2024 NFL season, Johnson has recorded 14 career tackles at the professional level. His most productive professional season came in 2024 with the Dallas Cowboys, where he posted a career-high eight special teams tackles while appearing in 14 games.
Devodrick “Buddy” Johnson Personal Life
Johnson grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he attended Justin F. Kimball High School before pursuing his college football career at Texas A&M. His Texas roots have remained a constant throughout his professional journey, with multiple stints at Texas-based NFL franchises including the Dallas Cowboys. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts under the handle @foebg_1.
2025 Season Performance
Johnson entered the 2025 NFL season with the Dallas Cowboys before being released and re-signed to their practice squad during roster cuts in late August. His tenure with the Cowboys had seen him develop into a reliable special teams contributor, recording career-high tackle numbers in the 2024 season. The move to the Indianapolis Colts on September 30, 2025, presented a fresh opportunity with his sixth NFL organization. Johnson brings experience from playing in multiple defensive systems and special teams units, offering the Colts depth at the linebacker position as they navigate the remainder of the 2025 season.