Collin Johnson Bio
Collin Johnson is an American professional football wide receiver known for his height and athleticism. He played college football at the University of Texas and entered the NFL in 2020. Johnson is the son of College Football Hall of Fame cornerback Johnnie Johnson and has played for multiple NFL teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and Las Vegas Raiders.
Early Life and Background
Born on September 23, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, Collin Johnson attended Valley Christian High School in San Jose. Despite injuries limiting his sophomore and senior seasons, he managed to surpass 1,100 receiving yards as a senior. By his sophomore year, Johnson had scholarship offers from several major programs but committed to the University of Texas alongside his older brother Kirk, who was also a football player.
Johnson grew up in a football family, with his father Johnnie Johnson having a distinguished career at Texas and in the NFL. This background influenced his early development and passion for the sport. His high school career laid the foundation for his collegiate success and professional aspirations.
Path to American Football
Johnson’s recruitment process was marked by interest from top college programs, reflecting his potential as a wide receiver. At Texas, he quickly earned playing time, appearing in every game as a freshman and starting multiple games in subsequent seasons. His college career featured notable performances and steady improvement, positioning him for the NFL draft.
During his time at Texas, Johnson experienced both highs and lows, including a career-high 191-yard game against USC and a temporary benching that he later described as a growth opportunity. His senior year included preseason watchlist nominations for prestigious awards and record-setting performances, such as his 177 receiving yards in the Big 12 Championship Game.
Collin Johnson Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Johnson was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact, recording his first career touchdown in Week 5 against the Houston Texans. Throughout his rookie season, he showed promise with multiple touchdown receptions and solid yardage before being placed on injured reserve in January 2021.
In 2021, Johnson was waived by the Jaguars before the season started. His early professional years were marked by adaptation to the NFL level and overcoming injuries while seeking consistent playing opportunities.
New York Giants Era (2021–2023)
Shortly after his release from Jacksonville, Johnson was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants. His tenure with the Giants was interrupted by a torn Achilles tendon in 2022, which placed him on injured reserve. He was released by the Giants in August 2023, concluding this chapter of his career.
Chicago Bears Era (2023–Present)
Johnson joined the Chicago Bears practice squad in October 2023 and was promoted to the active roster in January 2024. During the 2024 season, he appeared in nine games, contributing with receptions and tackles. Despite being waived and re-signed to the practice squad in August 2024, he was again promoted to the active roster in November, demonstrating resilience and value to the team.
Las Vegas Raiders (2025)
In May 2025, Johnson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders but was released in August 2025. This brief stint reflects the ongoing challenges and competitive nature of maintaining a roster spot in the NFL.
Driving Style and Strengths
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Johnson is noted as the tallest wide receiver in the NFL as of 2020. His height and reach give him an advantage in contested catches and red-zone situations. Coaches have praised his blocking ability and acrobatic catching skills, which complement his physical attributes. His experience and perseverance have shaped his strategic approach to the wide receiver position.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson’s career highlights include setting the Big 12 Championship Game receiving yards record with 177 yards and scoring his first NFL touchdown in his rookie season. His journey through multiple NFL teams and recovery from injury demonstrate his determination and adaptability.
Collin Johnson Career Wins
While wide receivers do not have individual wins in the traditional sense, Johnson’s contributions to his teams have been marked by key receptions and touchdowns that have influenced game outcomes. His collegiate and professional performances reflect steady progress and impact on the field.
College Highlights
At Texas, Johnson was a consistent offensive threat, highlighted by his 191-yard game against USC and record-setting performance in the Big 12 Championship. His senior year accolades and watchlist nominations underscored his status as one of the top receivers in college football.
Professional Highlights
Johnson’s rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars featured multiple touchdown receptions, including a notable 46-yard touchdown catch. His time with the Chicago Bears included active roster contributions in the 2024 season, showcasing his ongoing professional development.
Collin Johnson Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Collin Johnson comes from a family with strong football roots. His father, Johnnie Johnson, played ten years in the NFL and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007. His older brother Kirk also played football at Texas, and his sister Camille competed in track and field, illustrating a family deeply involved in athletics.
Personal Life
Johnson is engaged to Sara Machado, his girlfriend since high school. Their long-term relationship culminated in a proposal in June 2020. Johnson maintains a presence on social media, connecting with fans and sharing aspects of his life and career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Johnson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders but was released before the regular season. This period reflects the competitive challenges faced by professional athletes striving to secure roster spots. Johnson’s career trajectory shows resilience and a commitment to continuing his professional football journey.