Josh Johnson

Image of Josh Johnson
Image of Player Josh Johnson
Joshua Javon Johnson (born May 15, 1986) is an American professional football quarterback for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He has been a member of 14 different NFL teams, the most in league history. Johnson played college football for the San Diego Toreros and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL draft. Primarily a backup during his career, Johnson has started games for the Buccaneers, Commanders, and Baltimore Ravens, while also seeing playing time with the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and San Francisco 49ers.
Full Name :
Joshua Javon Johnson
Date of Birth :
15 May 1986
Place of Birth :
Oakland, California, United States
Nationality :
United States
Height (CM) :
191
Weight (KG) :
97
Education :
Oakland Technical High School (High School), University of San Diego (College)
Career Started :
2008
Awards :
XFL passer rating leader (Win Year 2020), 2× consensus Mid-Major champion (Win Year 2005, 2006), 2× PFL Offensive Player of the Year (Win Year 2005, 2006), 3× First-team All-PFL (Win Year 2005–2007), 3× I-AA All-American (Win Year 2005–2007), East–West Shrine Game Offensive MVP (Win Year 2008)
Current Team :
Washington Commanders
Previous Team :
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From 2008, To 2011), San Francisco 49ers (From 2012, To 2012), Sacramento Mountain Lions (From 2012, To 2012), Cleveland Browns (From 2012, To 2012), Cincinnati Bengals (From 2013, To 2013), San Francisco 49ers (From 2014, To 2014), Cincinnati Bengals (From 2015, To 2015), New York Jets (From 2015, To 2015), Indianapolis Colts (From 2015, To 2015), Buffalo Bills (From 2015, To 2015), Baltimore Ravens (From 2016, To 2016), New York Giants (From 2016, To 2016), Houston Texans (From 2017, To 2017), Oakland Raiders (From 2018, To 2018), San Diego Fleet (From 2018, To 2018), Washington Redskins (From 2018, To 2018), Detroit Lions (From 2019, To 2019), Los Angeles Wildcats (From 2020, To 2020), San Francisco 49ers (From 2020, To 2020), New York Jets (From 2021, To 2021), Baltimore Ravens (From 2021, To 2021), Denver Broncos (From 2022, To 2022), San Francisco 49ers (From 2022, To 2022), Baltimore Ravens (From 2023, To 2024)
Contract :
Contract Year 2025 to 2025
Drafted Year :
2008
Drafted By :
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Joshua Javon Johnson Bio

Joshua Javon Johnson, born on May 15, 1986, in Oakland, California, is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Washington Commanders in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his extensive career across multiple teams, Johnson holds the record for having been a member of 14 different NFL teams, the most in league history. He played college football at the University of San Diego before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Johnson has primarily served as a backup quarterback but has started games for several teams including the Buccaneers, Commanders, and Baltimore Ravens.

Early Life and Background

Johnson grew up in Oakland, California, where he attended Oakland Technical High School. During high school, he was a multi-sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and track and field. As a senior, he earned first-team All-City honors and was named the Most Improved Player on his football team, which won the Oakland Athletic League Championship. Johnson was also a teammate of his cousin, Marshawn Lynch, who went on to have a notable NFL career.

Path to American Football

Johnson enrolled at the University of San Diego in 2004, initially serving as a backup quarterback. He earned the starting role in 2005 and quickly distinguished himself by breaking numerous school records. Over his collegiate career, Johnson was a three-time First-team All-Pioneer Football League (PFL) selection and a three-time I-AA All-American. He led the Toreros to their first Top 25 appearance in school history and set the NCAA Division I record for highest career passer efficiency. Johnson’s college success culminated in being named the Offensive MVP of the 2008 East–West Shrine Game.

Joshua Javon Johnson Career

Early Career (2008–2011)

Johnson was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He saw limited playing time as a rookie but made his first NFL appearance in Week 3 of the 2009 season. Johnson was named the starting quarterback for the Buccaneers in Week 4 of that season and threw his first career touchdown pass in that game. Over his initial years with Tampa Bay, he served primarily as a backup but started several games, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with both passing and rushing yards.

Journeyman Years (2012–2024)

After leaving the Buccaneers, Johnson’s career was marked by numerous short stints with various NFL teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, and Denver Broncos. He also played in alternative leagues such as the United Football League’s Sacramento Mountain Lions and the XFL’s Los Angeles Wildcats, where he led the league in passer rating in 2020. Johnson’s adaptability and readiness made him a valuable backup option across the league.

Washington Commanders Era (2025–Present)

In 2025, Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders. During the season, he was named the starter for Week 17 and finished the year with notable performances including a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson’s experience and leadership continue to contribute to the Commanders’ quarterback depth chart.

Playing Style and Strengths

Johnson is known for his mobility and ability to extend plays with his legs, complementing his passing skills. His dual-threat capability has allowed him to contribute both in the air and on the ground. Over his career, Johnson has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, often stepping in as a reliable backup and mentor to younger quarterbacks.

Notable Events and Milestones

Johnson holds the NFL record for most teams played for, having been a member of 14 different franchises. He also set the NCAA Division I record for highest career passer efficiency during his college years. In the XFL, he led the league in passer rating in 2020. Johnson’s perseverance and longevity in professional football are notable achievements in themselves.

Joshua Javon Johnson Career Wins

Throughout his extensive career, Johnson has accumulated several wins as a starting quarterback across multiple teams. While primarily serving as a backup, he has stepped up to lead teams to victories when called upon, demonstrating his readiness and professionalism.

NFL Highlights

Johnson’s first NFL start came with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009, where he threw his first touchdown pass. He earned his first career win as a starter with the Washington Redskins in 2018 and secured another starting victory with the Washington Commanders in 2025. His ability to perform under pressure has been evident in these key moments.

Other Wins and Performances

Beyond the NFL, Johnson excelled in the XFL with the Los Angeles Wildcats, where he posted a passer rating of 106.3 and was recognized as the highest graded quarterback by Pro Football Focus during the 2020 season. His performances in alternative leagues have underscored his talent and competitive spirit.

Joshua Javon Johnson Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Johnson’s family includes his cousin Marshawn Lynch, a former NFL running back known for his successful career. This connection highlights a family lineage of professional football talent.

Personal Life

Public information about Johnson’s personal life, including marital status and children, is not widely available. He maintains a professional focus on his football career.

2025 Season Performance

In the 2025 NFL season, Johnson returned to the Washington Commanders, contributing as both a backup and starter. He was named the starter for the Week 17 game and led the team to a victory in the regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson finished the season with 372 passing yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and 12 carries for 55 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown across five games and two starts. His veteran presence and performance provided valuable depth and leadership to the Commanders’ quarterback group.