Austin Johnson Bio
Austin Hunter Johnson is an American professional football defensive tackle who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 314 pounds, Johnson has built a solid NFL career spanning multiple teams since being drafted in 2016. He played college football at Penn State University, where he developed into a standout defensive lineman before entering the professional ranks.
Johnson was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 43rd overall pick. Over his career, he has established himself as a reliable presence along the defensive line, contributing as both a starter and rotational player. His journey includes stops with the New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Austin Johnson was born on May 8, 1994, in Galloway Township, New Jersey. He grew up as the third of four children in his family, with two older sisters and one younger sister. His father is Austin Johnson and mother is Tammy Johnson. Johnson attended St. Augustine Preparatory School in Richland, New Jersey, where he initially focused on basketball with dreams of playing at the collegiate level. He earned all-state accolades as a senior basketball player and planned to continue his basketball career in college.
However, everything changed when the football coach at St. Augustine Prep convinced Johnson to try out for the football team. He embraced the opportunity and quickly showed promise as a football player. His athletic abilities from basketball translated well to the football field, setting the stage for his future career. Johnson’s combination of size, athleticism, and competitive drive made him an intriguing prospect for college programs.
Path to Professional Football
Johnson attracted attention from college programs due to his raw talent and physical tools. Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson played a crucial role in recruiting him to join the Nittany Lions. Despite facing a difficult period for the program following the Penn State child sex abuse scandal and the arrival of new coach Bill O’Brien, Johnson maintained his commitment to the university. His loyalty during this challenging time demonstrated his character and dedication to his football career.
Johnson redshirted his freshman season at Penn State in 2012, using that year to develop and adjust to the college level. He entered training camp in 2013 determined to make an impact on the defensive line. Mentored by Larry Johnson, along with established players like DaQuan Jones and Jordan Hill, Johnson worked his way into the rotation at defensive tackle. His performance throughout the 2013 season earned him recognition, as he was named to the freshman all-conference teams by both ESPN.com and the Big Ten Network.
During his redshirt sophomore season, Johnson established himself as a key component of Penn State’s defensive line. His combination of size and athleticism impressed coaches, with Penn State coach James Franklin describing him as “probably the most athletic 315-pound guy I have been around.” By mid-season in 2014, Penn State had the best rush defense in the country, largely due to Johnson’s efforts in the middle of the defensive line.
Austin Johnson Career
Tennessee Titans (2016–2019)
Austin Johnson entered the 2016 NFL Draft after an impressive college career at Penn State. Scouts projected him as a second-round pick, and his performance at the NFL Combine further solidified his draft stock. He was ranked as the ninth-best defensive tackle by NFLDraftScout.com and 14th-best by Sports Illustrated. The Tennessee Titans selected Johnson in the second round with the 43rd overall pick, making him the first of five Penn State players drafted that year.
On May 9, 2016, Johnson signed a four-year contract worth $5.66 million with $3.02 million guaranteed and a $2.31 million signing bonus. He reported to training camp competing for the starting nose tackle position against veterans Al Woods and Antwaun Woods. Johnson earned the backup role behind Al Woods to begin his rookie season. He made his NFL debut in the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, recording one tackle in the 25-16 loss.
Throughout his rookie season, Johnson appeared in 10 games and recorded 15 tackles with a half-sack. His most productive game came in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts, where he recorded two solo tackles and was credited with half a sack on quarterback Andrew Luck. He closed the season with a season-high four combined tackles in a narrow 19-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. His tenure with the Titans continued through the 2019 season, where he appeared in 16 games and started one, recording 23 tackles.
New York Giants (2020–2021)
On March 30, 2020, Johnson signed with the New York Giants, marking a new chapter in his career. He quickly adapted to his new defensive scheme and became an integral part of the Giants’ defensive line rotation. His first significant moment with the team came in Week 4 of the 2020 season against the Los Angeles Rams, where he recorded his first sack and forced fumble as a Giant during the 17-9 loss.
Johnson’s second season with the Giants proved to be his most productive at that point in his career. On March 17, 2021, he re-signed with the team and went on to start all 17 games. He recorded a career-high 72 tackles and 3.5 sacks, demonstrating his growth as both a run defender and pass rusher. This breakout season established Johnson as a reliable starting defensive tackle in the NFL.
Los Angeles Chargers (2022–2023)
On March 16, 2022, Johnson signed a two-year contract worth $14 million with the Los Angeles Chargers, representing a significant commitment from the organization. He joined a defensive line featuring several talented players and immediately became a starter in the Chargers’ defense. His veteran experience and consistency made him a valuable asset to the team.
However, Johnson’s 2022 season was cut short by injury. He suffered a knee injury in Week 9 and was placed on injured reserve on November 9, ending his season prematurely. Despite the setback, he returned healthy for the 2023 season and started all 17 games. He recorded 46 tackles, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble, showing resilience in bouncing back from his injury.
Buffalo Bills (2024)
On March 28, 2024, Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, joining one of the AFC’s elite teams. His experience and versatility added depth to the Bills’ defensive line rotation. The season provided Johnson with a memorable milestone when he recorded his first NFL interception on October 27, 2024, during a game against the Seattle Seahawks. He caught a deflected pass from Geno Smith, marking the first interception of his career at any level, from youth football through the NFL.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2025–Present)
On August 4, 2025, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Johnson, bringing his veteran presence and experience to their defensive line. This move marked the fifth team of his NFL career. Johnson joined a Jaguars defense looking to build on previous seasons and establish itself as a dominant unit in the AFC. His professional demeanor and locker room leadership made him an valuable addition to the young roster.
Playing Style and Strengths
Johnson is known for his combination of size and athleticism that allows him to anchor the middle of the defensive line against the run while also providing pressure on quarterbacks. His 6-foot-4, 314-pound frame gives him the power to hold up against offensive linemen in one-on-one situations. Coaches have praised his ability to disruptive plays, with Penn State’s James Franklin noting his capacity to “wreck” an opponent’s game plan. His experience across multiple NFL systems has allowed him to adapt to various defensive schemes and roles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson’s career has been marked by several significant moments, including his first NFL sack against Andrew Luck in 2016, his breakout 72-tackle season with the Giants in 2021, and his first career interception with the Bills in 2024. Being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Titans represented a major milestone in his football journey. His college career included earning second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2015 and being named to freshman all-conference teams in 2013.
Austin Johnson Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2016 to 2025, Johnson has accumulated impressive statistics while playing for five different teams. His durability and consistency have allowed him to remain a productive player in the league for nearly a decade. Below are his career statistics as of Week 18 of the 2025 season.
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 272 |
| Sacks | 9.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 3 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 2 |
| Pass Deflections | 13 |
Austin Johnson Family
Family Background
Austin Johnson grew up in Galloway Township, New Jersey, as the third of four children. His father shares his name, Austin Johnson, and his mother is Tammy Johnson. He has two older sisters and one younger sister, creating a supportive family environment during his upbringing. His athletic background includes basketball, where he excelled enough to earn all-state honors before focusing on football.
Personal Life
Johnson is married to Danika Brace, who previously played in the Legends Football League. The couple’s relationship has been well-documented on social media, where Johnson is active on both Instagram and X. Johnson pursued a business administration degree during his time at Penn State, demonstrating his commitment to education alongside athletics. He maintains connections with his hometown in New Jersey and continues to engage with fans through his social media presence.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Johnson’s first full season with the Jacksonville Jaguars after signing in August. He brings veteran leadership to a defensive line group that values his experience from playing in multiple defensive systems throughout his career. His ability to contribute both against the run and as a pass rusher gives the Jaguars flexibility in how they deploy their defensive personnel.
Johnson’s presence in the locker room has been noted by coaches as valuable for mentoring younger defensive linemen. His professional approach to preparation and his understanding of game-day routines have made him a respected figure among teammates. As the season progresses, Johnson continues to compete for playing time and contribute to the Jaguars’ defensive success.