Eric Johnson

Eric Morris Johnson II Bio

Eric Morris Johnson II is an American professional football defensive tackle who currently plays in the National Football League. He has built a reputation as a reliable presence along the defensive line,Known facts_json for his physicality against the run and his ability to anchor against offensive blockers. Johnson has played for three NFL franchises during his professional career, demonstrating versatility and durability at the highest level of football. His journey from a small-town Illinois athlete to a professional football player exemplifies perseverance and dedication to the sport.

Early Life and Background

Eric Morris Johnson II was born on July 16, 1998, in Normal, Illinois, United States. He grew up in the central Illinois region before his family relocated to Plainfield, Illinois. Johnson attended Plainfield South High School in Plainfield, where he developed his foundational football skills and established himself as a promising defensive prospect. His high school career provided him with the platform to showcase his abilities against competitive opposition in the Illinois prep football scene.

During his time at Plainfield South High School, Johnson honed the techniques and work ethic that would serve him well at the collegiate level. The environment and competition he faced in the Chicago suburbs helped prepare him for the challenges of playing at the NCAA Division I level. His development during these formative years laid the groundwork for his eventual transition to professional football.

Path to Professional Football

After graduating from Plainfield South High School, Johnson continued his football journey at the collegiate level. He enrolled at Missouri State University, where he joined the Missouri State Bears football program in 2016. Johnson redshirted his true freshman season, using that year to adapt to the increased speed and complexity of college football while refining his technique under the Bears coaching staff.

Johnson decided to utilize the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played during the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to Missouri State for a sixth season. This additional time allowed him to further develop his skills and increase his draft stock heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. His dedication to improvement and commitment to his craft became defining characteristics of his collegiate career.

Eric Morris Johnson II Career

Indianapolis Colts (2022–2023)

Johnson entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Indianapolis Colts selected him with the 159th overall pick, investing a draft selection in his potential as a defensive tackle. His selection by the Colts represented the culmination of his collegiate career and the beginning of his professional journey. The Colts organization saw promise in his combination of size, strength, and football intelligence.

During his first stint with the Colts spanning the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Johnson appeared in multiple games and contributed to the team’s defensive line rotation. He recorded 41 total tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery during his NFL career through the 2025 season. His performance during these seasons demonstrated his ability to compete at the professional level and maintain consistency as a rotational defender. The Colts coaching staff valued his reliability and his understanding of defensive assignments.

New England Patriots (2024)

Johnson signed with the New England Patriots in 2024, joining the franchise after clearing waivers. This move provided him with an opportunity to continue his NFL career with a new organization and contribute to a different defensive scheme. The Patriots have a long tradition of developing defensive talent, and Johnson looked to build upon his early career success with his new team.

On May 14, 2025, the Patriots waived Johnson, concluding his tenure with the franchise after a single season. Despite the change in circumstances, Johnson remained committed to continuing his professional football career and sought opportunities to contribute with another team. His experience with the Patriots added to his versatility and familiarity with different defensive systems around the league.

Indianapolis Colts Return (2025–Present)

The Indianapolis Colts claimed Johnson off waivers on May 15, 2025, bringing him back to the organization that originally drafted him. His return to Indianapolis reflected the team’s continued confidence in his abilities as a defensive tackle and his familiarity with the Colts’ defensive scheme. Johnson rejoined a familiar environment with established relationships with coaches and teammates.

During his second stint with the Colts, Johnson has looked to re-establish himself as a reliable contributor along the defensive front. His experience from playing with multiple organizations has given him a broader perspective on defensive football and the ability to adapt to various coaching philosophies. The Colts value his professionalism and his consistent approach to preparation each week.

Playing Style and Strengths

Johnson plays the defensive tackle position with physicality and discipline. His listed height of 6 feet 4 inches and weight of 320 pounds give him the size necessary to hold ground against interior offensive linemen. He demonstrates solid technique in maintaining gap integrity against the run and works to collapse the pocket when rushing the quarterback. His lower-body strength allows him to anchor effectively against double teams and create opportunities for linebackers to make plays.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Throughout his football career, Johnson has accumulated notable accomplishments at both the collegiate and professional levels. His collegiate career at Missouri State produced a standout senior season in which he was named Second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference after recording 43 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3 blocked kicks. His ability to block kicks demonstrates his special teams value and his versatility as a player who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.

Eric Morris Johnson II Career Statistics

Johnson has compiled professional statistics across his seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots. His career totals reflect his role as a reliable rotational player along the defensive line, contributing consistently to multiple NFL organizations.

NFL Career Highlights

Through the 2025 season, Johnson has recorded 41 total tackles and one sack during his professional career. He has also recovered one fumble, demonstrating his awareness and ability to make plays on loose balls. His tackle production shows steady contribution as part of defensive line rotations with both the Colts and Patriots organizations.

Collegiate Achievements

Prior to his NFL career, Johnson earned recognition as a Second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection during his final collegiate season. The Missouri Valley Football Conference is known for its competitive football programs, making this honor particularly significant. His statistical production that season, including 43 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and three blocked kicks, showcased his ability to make an impact in multiple areas of the game.

Eric Morris Johnson II Family

Family Background

Johnson hails from Illinois, where he was born and raised before eventually moving to Plainfield to attend high school. His roots in the Normal and Plainfield communities provided him with a supportive environment to develop as both a student and athlete. The values instilled in him during his upbringing in central Illinois have contributed to his professional approach throughout his football career.

Personal Life

Johnson maintains a private personal life while focusing on his football career across multiple NFL organizations. His journey from Illinois to the professional ranks required dedication and sacrifice, qualities that have remained evident throughout his career. As a professional athlete, he continues to work toward improving his game while building lasting relationships within the football community. His ability to earn roster spots with multiple teams reflects both his talent and his commitment to maintaining peak performance at the professional level.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Johnson’s professional career as he returned to the Indianapolis Colts organization. After beginning the year with the New England Patriots and being claimed off waivers by Indianapolis in May, Johnson worked to re-establish himself as a contributor along the Colts defensive line. His familiarity with the Colts organization from his time as a 2022 draft pick facilitated a relatively smooth transition back to the team.

Throughout the 2025 season, Johnson served as a rotational defensive tackle for the Colts, contributing to the team’s defensive front consistency. His experience from playing with multiple organizations provided valuable versatility to the defensive line rotation. The coaching staff relied on his professionalism and consistent preparation to maintain stability along the defensive front during a season that presented various challenges.

Johnson’s ability to remain in the NFL through multiple seasons and organizations demonstrates his durability and adaptability as a professional football player. As he continues his career with the Indianapolis Colts, he remains focused on contributing to team success while continuing to develop his skills at the defensive tackle position. His journey reflects the perseverance required to maintain a professional football career in the highly competitive NFL environment.